by1erwr1ting

[by1erwr1ting]

And then there were two- A Byler Fanfic

Authors note: Yall this is a long chapter so get ready. Hope you enjoy<3

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, Underage drinking

Chapter 4/?

ʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞ

Mike stepped out of the car first and helped El out. “Thanks for the ride Jonathan. Will ‘you coming?” he asked through the backseat door. Will looked at Jonathan a bit hesitantly, “Yeah just a second.” Mike and El waited outside of the car. “You are going to have so much fun don’t overthink it” Jonathan said to Will with reassurance in his eyes. “Yeah I know, thanks Jonathan, really” He closed the door and watched Jonathan drive away. “Uhm El, why don’t you go find Max? Lucas said he was going to be a bit late and I don’t think she wants to be alone” El nodded as she made her way to the front door of the big house. Mike and Will stood in silence for a second until Mike said: “Hey, I know this isn’t really your type of scene. but I’m really happy that you decided to come.” He put his hand on Will's shoulder and a big smile spread on his face. “Yeah, I figured someone had to look out for you.” He said and Mike laughed. For a second it felt like old times, just the two of them hanging out in his basement. “You ready to go in?” Mike asked. “I am if you are.” Will responded as the two of them headed inside. 

They were instantly met by a crowd of people dancing and walking around. A lot of people had already arrived before them and Will wondered how many people were invited. “You're here, finally!” A boy came lounging at them. “Hey Dustin! When’d you get here” Mike said. “Ugh, it’s been a nightmare! I had to get here an hour early since Steve priorities some lame date over his best friend!” The boys laughed together and Dustin gave them each a beer. “Uhm, thanks Dustin, but I don’t think I’ll drink tonight” Dustin looked over to the sofa in the living room. “Oh that’s fine I’ll just give it to Max instead.” They approached the girls and Max face lit up as she saw them. “Yes! Will you came, I didn’t think Mike would be able to convince you.” She leaned in to hug Will and he was happy to see her as well. “Well Max, for your information it was surprisingly easy” Mike laughed as he looked over to Wil. The main door opened and Lucas stepped in.

They went over to happily greet him and Max looked a bit annoyed yet relieved. “Where have you been! I almost thought you were gonna bail on us!” Lucas laughed and hugged everyone, “Good job guys, you got Will to come!” Will jokingly said: “Why does everyone think I’m some lonely old man that never goes outside.” He would never admit it but it was kind of true. “Mike, you have to try the punch, it’s so good!” El said. “Well, while you guys go do that, me and Max are gonna play beerpong in the livingroom.” Max nodded and looked over to Will. “You're coming with us, right?” Will got so happy that they included him, and he had never played beer pong before, so why not. “Yeah, sure!” Mike looked at Will, confused. “What? You’re not gonna drink right?” Will stopped in his footsteps. He couldn’t decide if Mike was actually trying to look out for him or just being an asshole. “I never said I was going to” Mike got annoyed but hid it, “Whatever man, see you later.” 

Will stood by the ping pong table watching Max, Lucas and some seniors playing beer pong. Lucas had gotten him a cup of some punch, but he couldn’t get himself to try some. Mike’s words echoed through his head, even though he wished they wouldn’t affect him so much. Max and Lucas cheered loudly as they won again. “Hey Will, are you sure you don’t wanna play?” Lucas said. Max took a sip of the drink in her hand, “Yeah, we could really use you on our team!” Will put his full cup on the sofa table, “Thanks guys, but I think I’m gonna go to the bathroom. I’ll be back soon” Will squeezed his way between the crowded hallway. The air was thick and the music was blaring through the big house. He recognized the song as Beat It by Michael Jackson and nodded along with the music as he tried to find a bathroom.

Suddenly Dustin came stumbling towards him, he looked to be a couple of drinks in. ”Will! I’m so glad to see you! You know I’ve been thinking about you all night!” Will laughed a bit at Dustin's state. Maybe him being in charge of the beer wasn’t the greatest idea. ”You have?” Dustin put his arm around Will for support as he got a bit wobbly, “I’m just thinking that we should really find you a girlfriend, someone like Samantha! I ran into her and dude! she asked about you!” Will sighed internally, not that there was anything wrong with her, but he didn’t feel like ‘starting something’. “Yeah I might talk to her or something, but I really have to go to the bathroom so I’ll see you later okay?” 

Will walked out of the bathroom, which had now formed a long line of people standing in front of it. The house was so big that every corridor looked the same so he found himself a little lost. That’s until he found himself in the common room, and in the corner was Mike and El, making out. Will frose, he was suddenly filled with rage. Why did Mike think he could just neglect him for the entire evening when they got there together? Will stomped away from the scene and walked to the kitchen. Many cups and cans were strewn around the room, not anything particularly drinkable.

His eyes scanned the room for anything, until he spotted a bottle standing in the corner of the counter. He picked it up and read the label which said: ‘Teacher's Scotch whisky’, a brand he quickly recognized thanks to growing up with Lonnie. He opened it without hesitation and took a big gulp. He reacted strongly to the flavour, never having tasted anything like it before. The liquid burned in his throat as he forced himself to take another sip, this time swallowing it with ease. He took a couple more sips and left the kitchen to go find Max and Lucas. He walked fast through the many rooms, the anger and adrenaline making him get past everyone easily. He was just about to enter the living room as the floor suddenly felt like it was moving. His head started spinning and he felt like he was about to faint. The whiskey kicked in fast as Will had never drank before and he had to sit down before he would fall. Was it supposed to feel like this? Dustin came from nowhere and sat down next to Will. All of a sudden everything felt so funny and he laughed as Dustin started talking. “Will! Had any luck with the ladies yet?” Dustin said with a wink. “Yeaah, totally!” Will slurred out between laughs. Dustin's voice started to sound far away as they both sat there talking and laughing for what felt like forever. 

After a while Max, Lucas and El came up to them and didn’t seem to notice how drunk Will was. “Hey! I think we're gonna head home now, I gotta be home by eleven!” Max said as she took El’s hand and led her towards the hall. “Oh shit! it’s late, I could crash at your house right?” “Yeah of course man, Will, ‘you coming?” Lucas asked. Will had a hard time trying to form a proper sentence but held it together. “No, I have to wait for Mike, but I’ll see you later!” Will got up and hugged the boys and they both looked a bit confused but didn’t question it as they walked away. 

Will sat down for a while trying to gather himself. He finally stood up and the room spun as he made his way out of the room. He could barely see straight but he felt like it was the time of his life. A lot of commotion coming from a few rooms away could be heard and he went to check on it. A lot of people were sitting in a ring on the floor as they played an intense game of spin the bottle in the common room. “Hey Will!, Come join us!” Samantha drunkenly ran over to him and gave him a big hug like they were best friends. “Heey, Samantha! Of course I wanna play, let's sit down!” Both of them were pretty drunk so it didn’t matter that they barely knew each other. Everyone in the ring took turns spinning the bottle meanwhile Will and Samantha drank some more of the punch that had gotten warm and not very good by then.

All of a sudden it was Samantha's turn to spin the bottle and everyone in the room tensed up. The bottle came to a stop and landed on…Will. Will looked around a little dizzy and then realized what was happening. Everyone was cheering him on and he thought: “what the hell, why not?” They both stood up and Samantha grabbed Wills face as she kissed him messily. Will froze for a moment, completely shocked and flushed when he heard a familiar voice through the loud cheers. “Will, what the hell?!” He turned around to see Mike's confused and angry face in the doorway. Will had completely forgotten that he was still at the party and now felt a little dumb. Mike rushed over to grab Will’s arm to pull him out of the room. “Mike oh my god I’ve missed you!” Will said as he leaned against Mike. “Will, where the hell have you been? I thought you had left the party with some stranger or something, what’s wrong with you?” Will felt confused, why did he get so mad over nothing? “Relaax, I’m just having fun like the rest of you guys! I’ve been here all the time!” Mike noticed that something was off with him. “Hold up, are you drunk?!” Will started to laugh a little. “Nooo…” Mike pinched between his eyebrows, “Oh my god you are! How much have you had to drink?” Will grounded annoyed and stumbled over his own feet. “Whaat, not much, just some sips of that whiskey…” Mike's eyes went wide, “Whiskey!? What the fuck man!” Will suddenly felt a wave of nausea wash over him, all this arguing was making him dizzy. “Mike… I don’t feel alright.” Mike took his arm again, “Okay I’m getting you to a bathroom come on.”

They locked themselves in the nearest bathroom and Mike helped Will down on the floor. Mike looked at Will quietly for a moment, waiting for anything to happen. “I’m fine now.” was all Will said then went quiet again. Mike rolled his eyes, “Are you serious?” Will stood up to leave but Mike pulled him back down, “Woah now, slow down, you have to sit down for a bit.” Will slid back down down the wall and sat even closer to Mike, “Fine, dad!” Mike went out to get Will a cup of water and when he came back Will was laying on the floor. Mike panicked thinking he fainted or something and ran over to shake him. “Will oh my god, wake up!” Will just slowly opened his eyes and sat up. “Oh, water, thanks!” Mike just looked at him with no words and sighed in relief. Will drank all the water in one gulp and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Will, can I ask why you decided to even drink in the first place?” Will sat up straight now and looked Mike right in the eyes. “Well, It’s actually your fault.” Mike got confused from what Will said. “My fault, how is it my fault you got out of control?” Will threw his head back against the wall and sighed as he closed his eyes, “I saw you kiss her, kiss El!” Mike looked even more confused now. “What? Okay, so?” Will sat back up again and put his head on his knees covering his face. “You can’t just… do that! It’s not fair!” Mike put his hand on Will’s shoulder. “What? What’s not fair Wi-''

That's when Will reached over, quickly crashing his lips against Mikes. He put his hand on Mike's face and they both closed their eyes for a moment. Mike suddenly pulled away, his eyes filled with fear and anxiety ”Why’d you do that?” He looked at Will genuinely confused, since he saw him kissing Samantha just 10 minutes ago. Will couldn’t take it anymore, all the alcohol was making him into a vulnerable mess and he bursted out: “Mike I love you, how can you not see that?!” They both went completely still, just looking into eachother's eyes. Mike looked down at his feet and said: “Uhm Will, I think I should get you home.” 

[by1erwr1ting]

very real, so true, super relatable

[by1erwr1ting]

they didn't only show Mike keeping Will's drawings and his art, they didn't only show him admiring them when he misses Will, they also had to show how Mike CARESSED the drawings just to make things clearer and fruitier right?

[by1erwr1ting]

LUMAX SOLOS #healthieststrangerthingscouple

i’ve been thinking about how the issues in lumax’s relationship is kinda opposite to mlvn’s in season 4.

with lucas and max, they’re trying to navigate these very mature issues like grief and trauma. despite being so young, they’re able to work through this because they built their relationship on such a solid foundation. they weren’t so focused on rebuilding their romantic relationship as they were on simply reconnecting as people. lucas even states that his worries about her isn’t linked to their breakup, but rather their relationship as a whole (platonic or not) which was strained.

in contrast to this, mike and el seem to thrive in a lot of stressful situations/when things are high stakes. they’ve got shared trauma. however, this means when they’re in relatively normal situations, they feel strained. they don’t really share common interests, el doesn’t play dnd or go to the arcade, mike doesn’t know shit about what she’s up to in cali. there are barely any honest conversations between the two. they didn’t build their relationship on a steady foundation. it seems like their options are either a romantic relationship or nothing at all. there’s not really a friendship to fall back on like w lumax.

as caleb once said, lucas and max aren’t like mike and el because their love is real. they don’t really need to prove it or make a showy display of their feelings because you already KNOW.

[by1erwr1ting]

And then there were two- A Byler Fanfic

Chapter 3/?

ʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞ

Will spent the first half of his saturday mostly in his room listening to music and mentally preparing for the night that was to come. He had flipped through all of his good shirts and sweaters trying to decide what to wear. After hours of deciding he finally landed on a simple white turtleneck layered with a yellow plaid buttoned up flannel. He threw on his regular blue mom jeans that he had been wearing for the past 4 days. He stood in front of the mirror hanging on his bedroom door, studying every inch of his appearance for a while, trying to find something else to change. He considered doing something different with his hair but ended up just running his fingers through it a bit.

The Clash was playing softly on the record player he had gotten from Jonathan last christmas. He nodded along to the music as he tried to get into the right spirit as a loud knocking came from his door. Will got a bit startled and called out to ask who it was. “It’s just me! Mom wants us to eat something before we leave!” El said with a hint of stress as he heard the sound of hair hairbrush. “Yeah, I’ll be down in a minute” he shouted back as he walked over to turn his music off. He could see El standing in front of the mirror in the hallway as he walked down the stairs. “You’re wearing THAT to a party?” he said without thinking, as he saw her in sweats and a t-shirt. El rolled her eyes and scoffed at Will’s snarky comment. “No? Where are you going? To the library?” she jokingly answered. 

Will scraped off the remains of his eggos and washed his plate before putting it to dry next to the sink. Joyce went to her room to take a business call and El rushed up the stairs to get dressed since it was almost eight o’clock and the party started at nine. Will sat down on the sofa just about to turn on the TV when suddenly someone knocked at the front door. “Will! Can you get that? It’s probably Mike!” Will felt his pulse rising as he ran to the mirror to quickly fix his hair. He took a deep breath before opening the front door, his best friend standing in front of him. He was wearing a plain dark blue crew neck paired with a pair of black jeans and converse. Will hadn’t seen that crewneck before so he assumed it was new. He looked great, Will even got a bit intimidated just standing in front of him.

Mike looked pleasantly surprised seeing Will in the doorway: “Oh! Hey man!” He entered the dimly lit hallway as he followed Will with his gaze. “Hi Mike! I didn’t know you were coming early, not that I'm complaining” He said with a smirk on his face. Mike laughed nervously as he quickly scanned Will from head to toe, and damn that shirt looked really good on him. “Uhm, I like your shirt man, is it new?” Will had to stop himself from not smiling like a total idiot, and was just about to reply as rapid steps came from the upstairs hallway. Mike’s focus was immediately turned to El as she walked down the stairs. She was wearing an acid wash denim skirt with a lavender blouse she got last week with Max at the mall. Will looked at Mike, his heart breaking as he went over to give her a big hug and tell her how pretty she looked. And she really did, not like Will who just had “a nice shirt”. 

The sun had started to set as Will watched the cars pass by them. His focus was turned to the rearview mirror where Mike and El were sitting close to each other. They had been driving for about 5 minutes and the conversations in the car consisted mostly of Mike and El giggling in the backseat. Will let his mind wander as he laid his head against the cold window, he started to get a bit nervous. He snapped back to reality when he felt a tap to his shoulder. “What?” Will said, a bit startled. “I asked if you're excited. You haven’t been to a party before you know.” “Yeah I guess. I’m not sure if parties are my thing really” Will overheard some of the talking going on in the backseat. “Does my hair look okay like this?” El asked. “Yeah, totally” Mike reached out to adjust her bangs a bit and El looked so happy. Will looked down at his hands and asked Jonathan to turn up the radio a bit. They rolled up to a street with big houses and backyards. At the end of the street a big white house with lights and some cars parked in front of it. “I'm guessing that’s the house,” Jonathan said as he looked back at Mike. “Oh, I’m starting to get a bit nervous!” El said. “No, don't worry. I’ll be by your side the entire time okay?” Mike said to her as he gave her a kiss on the forehead. He gave Jonathan a forced smile as he looked towards the house. How would he survive this night? 

[by1erwr1ting]

I’ve been a total third wheel all day. It’s been miserable. So, sorry if I wasn't… wasn’t smiling.

[by1erwr1ting]

And the fact that Hawkins High's mascot is a tiger, like come on now

biggest mystery to me is what the hell is up with stranger things and tigers? why did they choose that animal? why does every kid in the show have a plushie of a tiger, Hop’s daughter, El, Will… the poster in Mike’s basement? this tiger at the carnival in season 3 with the voice-over about it? why is this a recurring theme

[by1erwr1ting]

In Kindergarten, Mike immediately fell in love with Will's art, and it made Will love drawing stuff even more than he already did. Meanwhile Will fell in love with Mike's ability to make up funny stories, and that influenced Mike's desire to continue doing so, ultimately leading to him doing a lot of creative writing (not to mention making their D&D campaigns).

this is canon this is so canon idc them being the source of each other's creative passions will be so special to me

[by1erwr1ting]

*feeds you stranger things as textposts while making airplane noises and flying the spoon in the air*

[by1erwr1ting]

michael wheeler in every season: tried to not be gay and it backfired :/

in the process of trying not to be gay he ended up making himself look more and more incriminating its both hilarious and sad

[by1erwr1ting]

The way they can communicate with eachother just by sharing looks >>>

will rolls eyes byers and mike grossed out face wheeler are gonna be THE it couple for s5 and I just can´t wait

LITERALLY its so cute how mike looks at will like ''you seein this shit?'' as if he trusts him to judge people with him and will is just :o

[by1erwr1ting]

And then there were two- A Byler Fanfic

Chapter 2/?

ʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞ

Will skimmed through his closet, which had gotten more diverse lately. He had started caring more about his appearance instead of just Joyce buying all of his clothes. He thought about what people even wore to these sorts of things. Do they dress up or dress down? Loud laughs could be heard from the room next to his. He tried to focus on something else by keeping his thoughts strictly on tomorrow's party, but nothing could ever distract him from Mike's laugh. He wished it could be him making Mike laugh like that. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Jonathan shouting that dinner is ready.

He made his way down the stairs, the smell of his mom's lasagna filling his nostrils. He sat down at his usual spot at the table, Joyce gave him a big smile and sat down next to him. He tried to focus on his mom telling the boys about her day at work but that's when he heard El’s bedroom door opening. Their giggles echoed through the upstairs hallway as they ran down the stairs together. Will rolled his eyes as the couple made their way to sit down at the other side of the table. He tried to be happy for his sister, but come on? Did they have to hold hands everywhere they went? “Sorry if we made you wait Ms Byers, we were…” Mike looked at El with a grin, “Busy” El said, as they burst out giggling again. “Yeah, you weren’t exactly being quiet”, Will mumbled as he picked at his carrots. The table went quiet, until Jonathan cleared his throat to speak up: “So Will, are you excited about the movie tomorrow, I heard it’s supposed to be pretty good!”.

“Yeah, about that…” Will looked awkwardly towards Mike, pleading with his eyes for him to help him out. “Oh, Jonathan sorry, we forgot to tell you. We got invited to a party tomorrow, just by someone from school” El nodded agreeingly. Jonathan quickly caught on what they were trying to say. “Yeah of course, I mean we can catch a movie some other day, right Will?” Will was relieved that Jonathan didn’t seem upset about the change of plans. “Oh a party, that sounds fun! Joyce exclaimed. "Could be a great opportunity to meet some new friends!” . El looked over to Will, “Or to meet a girl!” she said with a positive look on her face. Mike discreetly sighed at El’s comment but didn’t say anything. Jonathan could tell that Will seemed uncomfortable. “I can drive you guys if you want to!”, he said. “Yeah, that would be perfect, but I’m staying over at Max’s after the party so I won’t need a ride home.” El said. Jonathan nods then looks towards the boys, “Okay, just call me if you need a ride home” Joyce interfered by saying: “But kids, promise me none of you will walk home under any circumstances, okay? The three of them nodded in agreement.

“Oh, when Hop gets home I figured we could have some family time. Maybe watch a movie or play a game!” Joyce said. Will loved when they all spent time together, it reminded him of when he was younger. He looked over to Mike and El with excitement, but his smile quickly faded as he saw Mike's arm wrapped around El’s shoulder. El leaned over to whisper something to Mike that made him laugh, and Will couldn’t stand the thought of them continuing this for 2 more hours. “I think I’m just gonna go to bed early, it was a long day and I’m not in the mood anymore” He gave Mike a quick glance and was met by Mike’s confused yet disappointed face. He walked up the stairs and they all said goodnight to him. Will didn’t fall asleep until early in the morning. He stayed awake listening as his family had fun downstairs without him, even though he was the one who backed out. He just couldn’t stand to see them that close. The jealousy was overpowered by the guilt he always carried with him for liking his sister's boyfriend.  

[by1erwr1ting]

will byers expressing himself through art

[by1erwr1ting]

so true

THIS hairstyle on Mike was superior and you can't change my mind atp

tagging the hair discussion crew: @synthgay @crazycoven @willandmichael

[by1erwr1ting]

CANON. NOW

LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO

[by1erwr1ting]

And then there were two- A Byler Fanfic

Authors note: In this universe the Byers live back in Hawkins. The year is 1988 and Max is okay <3 🥲

Chapter 1/?

ʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞʚɞ

Will was awoken from his daydreaming by the schoolbell’s obnoxious ringing. He jumped in his seat as he was brought back to the reality that was Hawkins High’s sad attempt at a proper art class. The chair squeaked as he rose to quickly pack up his stuff and he made his way to the door. In the middle of loud school talk a faint voice caught his attention. He spun around as he realized the voice called his name. He was met by the familiar face of his benchmate, Samantha. “Hey Will!”, she called out again a bit louder this time. “You forgot this!”, she said as she handed him the familiar blue book with an encouraging smile. He quickly met her eyes to look back down at his feet again to take the book from her. Will gave her a small smile and a quick “Oh, thank you” before leaving the classroom. He struggled to get past the many students blocking his way through the busy hallway. Some bumped into him while barely acknowledging him, while some just left cold comments such as “Watch it!” and “Move”.

But in the middle of all this chaos Will suddenly caught the glimpse of a comforting face that made the world stop. It was Mike’s. 

By the way Mike’s eyebrows were pinched together, as they usually were, Will could tell there was a heated discussion going on between him and the curly haired boy next to him. Mike’s expression quickly softened as Will approached and he flashed him his usual goofy smile. 

“Hey guys! What’s going on?”. Dustin turned over to Will and sighed exaggeratingly, “Thank god you’re here Byers. Mike’s been bugging me all morning about this stupid beer thing!”. Will shot Mike a confusing glance before turning back to Dustin. “Beer…thing?”. Mike quickly answered before Dustin had time to open his big mouth: “Oh don’t worry Will, it’s nothing!”. Dustin looks at Mike with an irritated look. “It didn’t sound like nothing five minutes ago!”. Mikes eyebrows pinched together more then before, if that was even possible. Will noticed the tense atmosphere and said with a confused laugh: “Okay, I’m gonna need some clarification guys...”. Dustin gave Mike a look of disappointment and annoyance as he bust out: “Are you actually serious man, you didn’t tell him?”. Mike quickly defended himself by responding: “I was just gonna tell him before you opened your big mouth!”. Dustin rolled his eyes as he preceded to answer Will’s question. “You know that party all seniors have been talking about lately?”. “Uhm, sure. I’ve heard some people mention it”, Will replied. “Well, Isaac said that we could come if we got booze for the party.” Will looked at him with disbelief. “Isaac? As in the captain of the basketball team?”. Dustin nodded with excitement while Mike was looking a little unsure. “Please tell me you declined the offer Dustin?!”. Dustin took a step closer to Will as he said “Come on man, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it will be fun!”. Will paused for a moment. “But even IF we go, how would we even get alcohol?”. “Thats the easy part!, Dustin exclaimed. “Isaac heard I was friends with Steve so he figured I could just ask him, and you know Steve is super easy to manipulate” Dustin added with a grin. Will started to think about it. He and Jonathan had made plans to go see a movie this weekend, and it had been a while since the two of them hung out by themselves. Mike noticed the unsure expression on Will's face and decided to break the silence: “Of course you don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but it wouldn’t be the same without you”. That was all it took for Will to make up his mind about the party. ”Fine, if you want me there so baldy” Will says playfully. Mike could feel his face start to heat up, but lucky for him Will didn’t have time to notice it before Max’s mocking voice came echoing through the hallway. “Wow you guys are on time! That’s a first.” She had her well used skateboard in one hand and Lucas in the other, following right behind her like a puppy dog. “Yeah right after last period like we planned, I have a clock you know? Dustin said as he rolled his eyes. 

Lucas spoke up, “Just shut up Dustin, Will how’s it going with that Samantha girl!?” Mike quickly turned towards Will like the rest of the group. “Samantha, who’s Samantha?” Will looked at Lucas annoyed. “She’s just some girl in my art class, I barely know her” Lucas didn’t look convinced as he proceeded to continue his accusations: “I saw the two of you talking earlier, she’s obviously into you dude!” Just as Will was about to protest, Max said: “And why were you looking at some other girl when Mrs Jackson thought you went for a bathroom break?” Lucas switched to panic mode as tried to find the words to defend himself. “No no, I was just trying to find someone for Will since he’s the only single one! You’re the girl of my dreams!”, he said with his exaggerated "Lucas smile" plastered on his face. Max laughed it off, just wanting to mess with him as usual. “Okay guys, me and Will should probably head home, you know how Joyce can get when she knows we’re walking home”. “Yeah, see you guys at the party tomorrow. Remember, dress to impress!” The rest of the group shared a look mixed with concern and cringe at what just came out of Dustin's mouth. 

The boys were met by the crispy Hawkins air as they walked out the school building. Will always felt small walking trough the crowded school yard, like people would always look at him differently. But nothing mattered as long as Mike was walking by his side. This was Will’s favorite part of the day, when there was just the two of them. They could be talking about everything and nothing or just walk together in comfortable silence, it didn’t matter. But Will knew this moment could never last forever, that it would soon change, because that’s when SHE shows up.