Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Seeing the empty house was... weird. Will had lived with his family in this house for his whole life, and now they wouldn't even live in the same time zone.

He walked through the house for the last time. His mind was blank just taking everything in. The memories came rushing back as he did.

The kitchen where Jonathan always made breakfast and joked with him. Talking about the newest cassette he has, or the crazy things his friends did that day. Words of comfort, drowning out harsher yelling. The home where he watched Jonathan grow up, just as he watched Will.

The living room where The Party would reside when they came over. Staying up till dawn, before finally falling asleep. Eating so much junk they couldn't move. So many laughs shared between them, they couldn't breathe.

His mom's room, with indents in the carpet where her bed use to be. The bed he'd always sleep in when he had a nightmare, or even just when he missed her. The smell of her perfume was always strongest in here too. He hasn't smelt that perfume in months, and he wondered if he ever would again.

He even noticed a small mark on the wall from Lonnie, made one of the many times he was drunk, and couldn't walk straight.

His eyes watered as he finally reached his own room; the blank walls, empty closet, clean floor. He couldn't believe that this was actually happening. Him, his family, and El were moving across the country, leaving their entire life behind. He tries to blink away the tears. He really doesn't want to cry in front of everyone else.

"Honey?"

Will flinched, before turning around. "Mom?"

Joyce let a small smile form on her face. "Oh honey, c'mere." She held her arms out, and all Will could do was fall into them with a sob. "It's alright sweetheart, it'll be ok, don't worry." He only sobbed harder.

Jonathan chose that moment to walk in, before pausing. "Oh uh, I just wanted to let you guys know that we're ready to go..." pointing back down the hall, he tried to smile before saying, "Um, did... you need a moment? I can tell everyone you'll be out in a minute if you want."

Will wiped his eyes quickly, "No no, it's fine, i'll be there in a moment."

"Alright Will, if your sure..." Jonathan patted him on the shoulder before making his way outside again.

"Lets go, hon," his mom's arms fell away slowly, "it's time to say bye."

"O-ok." He wiped his face again, making sure there were no trace of tears.

They got El as well, and before long they all emerged from the house. Walking down the concrete path out front was surreal. Seeing the faces of The Party, even more so. This might be the last time they're all together. And he had to say goodbye willingly.

There was no way he could do this. He couldn't possibly be asked to say goodbye to the home he's known his entire life. The people he's known just as long. Everything he has ever been, came from here; moving across the country won't change that. And maybe it'd be healthier, to leave it all behind, but he didn’t want to. He didnt know how anymore either. Will supposed he never got anything he's wanted in life anyway.

"H-hey guys!" Dustin already had tears streaming down his face, smile plastered on. "Cmon, hurry over already!"

When he does eventually get down there, Dustin is on him in a second. His hold is tight, and Will's shoulder gets slightly damp. They both tremble, and he knows he didn't want to cry when hugging them, it's a difficult task. If this is the last time they see each other, he wants to be able to remember them clearly though, so he doesn't.

"Hey, 'we can play DnD or something fun, like we used to', right?" The laugh he let's out is strangled. "I'm gonna hold you to that, since we didn't get to play this summer." Will only tightens his arms in response, grief flaring up.

When they let go a moment later, Lucas is right there to take his place. His arms are steadier, but his voice wobbles and cracks when he tries to speak. "I'm gonna miss you man," the breath he takes is lined with tremors,"remember to call and stuff, ok?" It lasts a moment more, before Lucas pulls back and pats his shoulder with a smile.

Surprisingly, the next to approach him is Max. For a moment she just stands there. Her gaze is focused and sharp. He can feel his smile twitch, before she finally relaxes and puches his arm gently.

"Hey Will." She stuffs her hands back into her pockets before continuing. "We didn’t really get to know each other properly before, because of the whole yknow, saving the world thing, but... you didnt seem that bad. At least no where near as bad as Mike." The last is said with a soft huff of laughter, and then she pauses. "So... don't be a stranger or whatever, keep in contact." With that, she flees to El to say goodbye next.

Finally, he's in front of Mike Wheeler. His... best friend. Mike only seems to hesitate a second, before he grabs Will; the force of the embrace enough to knock the air from his lungs. And... he cant get enough. He feels as if he'll snap Mike in half with how he holds him. The breath that left his lungs has yet to return from how hard Mike holds him in turn. There are no words exchanged, just the touch of the other. Will pours everything he has into it, every last drop.

Because, this isn't just a stranger or his crush. This is Mike Wheeler. The kid he's known since they were 5, on a swingset during recess. Who he's seen at his worst, and his best. This is the... boy he loves, has loved, will probably love forever. Some distance and a fight won't change that for Will, even if he knows it's not the same for Mike.

The hug doesnt last long enough, before they have to eventually part. Their hands linger, and Mike opens his mouth before closing it and smiling softly. He smiled back, and realized he started crying.

But then Mike slid his gaze away hesitantly to the side of him, and Will feels cold. Looking next to him, Will sees El, her smile blinding. And he wants to feel jealous of her, and he wants to scream and cry that he was there longer, it wasnt fair, why not him. But he looks to her and sees the bright eyes of a girl he has come to know. Someone he loves like a sister already, even if they haven't lived together long. Someone who is kind, beautiful, and everything he is not. The choice is made before he realized there was one.

He knows who he would choose between himself, and the two most important people in his life.

With a nod at the both of them, Will made his way to the car Jonathan is already in, sliding into the passenger seat. Jonathan offered a smile, before awkwardly facing forward again. Will looked to his friends, who he won't see again for a while, if ever. El is making her way into the moving truck, and he can see almost everyone is crying now.

The yells of everyone as the vehicles begun to move was deafening to him. He cracked a smile at the final promises and words said.

He didn't stop smiling and waving until the street isn't visible. And then his shoulders shook with the force of his suppressed sobs, as tears carved their way down his cheeks. He couldn't even see anything out the windows, vision too blurry. He kind of wanted to see his hometown one last time, but the tears wouldn't let him, and he cried more.

Eventually, the tears calmed down enough after they reached the edge of town. The repetition of the forest is soothing. And then he spotted the 'Leaving Hawkins' sign and knew this was it.

His childhood was officially over, and he's leaving everything, along with his heart, behind.

Chapter Text

Will is startled awake by a hand on his shoulder. He'd never been a very heavy sleeper, but lately it seemed like even the smallest things had him shooting up. Well, he'd never exactly had the privilege of being able to sleep safely, so that'd probably be why. His musings were cut short by an apology from Jonathan, before he realized where they actually are.

The new house looked, well, new. Or maybe a better word would be hollow. Their old house was worn, lived in, and loved to tatters. It was filled with so many memories and emotions, while this one was just... empty. A blank canvas. Will hadn't wanted to paint for a while.

Either way, when Jonathan got out of the car, he followed. The closer they got, the more the house seemed to grow, dwarfing him and casting shadows with every step. Then he tripped on the step leading to the door, and it was once again sunny California, with a normal size house in front of him.

A giggle behind him makes him flush, but soon enough both he and El were doubled over. He couldn't breathe, and hes sure the tears in his eyes weren't entirely from laughter.

When he looked over, his mom and Jonathan were watching with matching smiles. "Well, what are we waiting for? It's too hot to be standing out here!" Smiling came easier than he thought, and soon everyone was walking through the front door.

He paused just before passing and took a final look back. But then he was squinting and tilting his head, because someone was walking down the street with a black umbrella out. He guessed Lenora had it's fair share of weirdos and freaks too. Will didn’t have time to ponder it though as El had taken the initiative to drag him through the entry and farther in.

The place looked fine, and he even felt excited when seeing the living room. That was before he remembered he didn't have anyone to invite over, and the excitement faded.

But seeing El flitting around in awe was infectious. The way her face lit up at every new room caused his own small smile to form. Will knew this was gonna be hard, but with his family here, he thinks he can handle it.

––––––

He can not handle this.

It's 3:37 am and he is exhausted. Being on the road for days, having to move box after box into a house, and then it finally hitting him that he was more than 2,000 miles away from any friends he had and now he'd have to start over from scratch again he and couldntdothis-

Yah. It was exhausting.

So Will stood, grabbed the small bag by his bed, and made his way down the hall as quietly as he could. He had a little practice from over the years after all. When the front door hinges didn't squeak when he opened it, he thanked the stars. His night could have gone a lot different if he got caught now.

The night air was refreshing when it finally washed over him. Will's body was less tensed as he sat down and opened the bag. There at the bottom lied a half crumpled cigarette box and a lighter he stole from his mom.

The first time he smoked had been impulsive. He saw the pack of smokes and lighter left out on the counter, while getting water one night, and didn't even think before he was holding it up to his lips and lighting it. Of course, he coughed so hard from the first inhale, he had to put it out and drink another glass of water. However, he found that when he eventually made it back to his bed, the slight shake in his hands was gone. When his mom asked about the missing pack the next day, the lie burned his throat almost as much as the cigarette smoke had the night before.

By now it was a practiced ritual to put the cigarette to his lips and light it. This was still the same pack he swiped months ago too. The fact he hadn't been able to finish a cigarette in one sitting yet meant it lasted much longer.

And before he knew it, Will felt his body relax completely. With every drawn out exhale, he untensed. The stick was only halfway gone when he went inside. The act of drinking water, then brushing his teeth thoroughly, made all of the exhaustion from earlier come back, without the addition of his anxious thought.

It was much easier to climb into bed and collapse this time around. He knew he'd pay for falling asleep around 4am, but that was future Will's problem. For now, his eyes drifted shut and he fell into a dreamless sleep.

––––––

Unpacking his room turned out to be a painful task. Seeing everything from the first 14 years of his life all packed into a few boxes hurt. He figured it would get better eventually, but he'd been telling himself that for years.

He was debating if he should take out all his art supplies now or later, when El appeared in the doorway.

"Will! Come see my room!" She's practically vibrating with excitement, and Will grinned.

"You're done already?" A small laugh escaped while he made his way over. "Well, don't leave me in suspense, lead the way!"

She just grabbed his hand, making her way to her room. When they arrive and he gets a good look he's... a bit shocked to be honest.

The ceiling had fairy lights hanging, and the walls carried a few drawings, or pictures of their friends. The bed in the corner had a soft looking blanket, and comfy pillows. There was a desk under the window that was somehow already a mess of paper and writing utensils. Despite how sparse it was, it still felt alive, and he could only look around in admiration.

He had obviously been staring too long, because El suddenly blurts, "I know there is not... a lot, but I still think it is bitchin." Her brows are pursed, stance uneasy, but there's still a determined lilt to her words.

Will only looked at her like she's crazy. "Are you kidding?" He throws a hand out in an overdramatic fashion. "This is totally bitchin!"

Her eyes widened at his words before giggling, "You said bitchin," and breaking down into loud laughs.

"W-what?" Will, completely blindsided by this turn of events, can only stand there while El continues to lose it.

"I have never heard you say bad words!" Is all she manages before breaking down again.

The tips of his ears were red when he stuttered out, "Yes I do!" Then realized that, no, he doesn't actually. That thought made the blush spread. "Or- well- it's not that surprising!" El had calmed down enough during his poor attempt to defend himself, to raise a brow. The implication made him huff before he let's a giggle of his own out. "OK fine, maybe it's a little surprising." She grinned at that, before he continued with, "it really is bitchin though."

The last word is barely out before she threw her arms around him. Her embrace was strong, and he hugged back just as hard.

"Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me El, and besides, maybe we can go shopping soon for more stuff yah?"

His ribs ached when her arms tightened, but he didn't mind. "...Promise?"

"I promise."

Later, when Jonathan came to get them for dinner, he found them still in her room, laughing and planning what to get for her room.

––––––

Days later, almost a week, he woke up to his mom yelling excitedly for all of them. He didn't want to get up, but knew he wouldnt be able to fall back asleep anyways. Making his way into the kitcken with a yawn, he wondered how soon he could get a cup of coffee. "Whats going on?"

Jonathan was already there with his own cup of coffee, while El came barreling around the corner, much more alive than any person should be this early.

His mom stood there for a moment, before brandishing what she had behind her back. Obviously, none of them were awake enough for this, because they stay silent beside a confused mutter of, "mail?" From Jonathan.

She laughs, "No, letters." Before distributing them.

Will is suddenly much more awake than before, no caffeine needed. The grin on his face matched El's, and they both sat down to tear into their stack –stack!– of letters each. They had gotten a letter from each member of the party, while Jonathan had gotten two.

He spreaded them out, wondering who's he would read first, before noticing something weird. While the letters from Dustin and Lucas were nearly bulging, and the letter from Max was a bit thinner, the one from Mike almost seemed like it was empty. His lips twitched down, before deciding he'd read it last.

The letter he ripped open first is from Max. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't a bit surprised that she actually wanted to keep in contact, but was happy nonetheless.

Hey Will,

I was debating what I should write about first. Not a whole lot happens in small town Hawkins, besides the whole monsters from an alternate dimension thing. I figured you'd have a difficult time in California, because of how different it is. So I decided to tell you more about it and give some advice...

The rest of the letter continued in the same way, Max mentioning anything she deemed important enough to tell him. The two pages, were filled front to back, and he was grateful for it. Truth be told, he was nervous about how big Lenora was compared to Hawkins, and knowing more calmed his anxiety a bit.

The next letter is Lucas', and he wastes no time. There are significantly more papers in this one, and he gapes at it. Glancing at Dustin's letter, he realized this would take longer than he initially expected.

Will

Hey man! Can't believe it's already been a week since we've seen each other. Feels a lot shorter. How is it in California? Ive heard a few things from Max already, but im still curious as hell. Oh that reminds me of something Max told me earlier actually...

He laughs softly at his friend. He can tell he really likes her. The rest only made his grin widen. It seemed he couldn't get her off his mind, evident by how much he mentioned her. He also wrote something about joining the high-school basketball team and training. Will isn't interested in sports, but if his best friend is, he'll cheer for him from all the way in California.

The second to last letter from Dustin is slightly thinner, but somehow feels heavier. When he opened it and a small necklace tumbled out he understood why. It had a thin chain, and the flat charm connected to it said, 'Will the Wise'. The laugh he let out was watery, and he didn’t spare a second before it was around his neck. It's then that he noticed a photo on the stack of papers. It showed the rest of The Party with their own necklaces, all with their DnD classes and names. He smiled before grabbing the stack of papers.

Will the Wise!

Hey! Feels like forever since I last saw you! I have so many things to tell you, so, sorry about how many pages im probably gonna use. But first, did u like the gift? It was my idea, but the rest of the party chipped in. Did you know Robin had a phase where she made jewelery? Super cool right? And then we got Steve to do the carvings on the little charms, so that's why they're so crooked. Oh, before I forget, you need to tell me everything about California! I tried asking Max, but her and Lucas are always together...

Will didn't realize he missed his best friends rambling so much. He constantly switched topics and it was a bit difficult to keep up, but he'd known Dustin for years. This was just how he was. He also got a lot more information from Dustin than the other two, about Hawkins. Not much had changed, but he was still grateful. He still liked the stories about Robin and Steve more.

Finally, it was the last letter from Mike. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he was most excited about his. The thinness didn't deter him at all, mood soaring from the previous letters. Well, that was until he unfolded it. The feeling he was slowly coming to associate with Mike took over, and his fingers felt numb. Because Mike had only written about half a page. And without reading it, his eyes caught on the name 'El' through most of it.

Hey, how's it going? How is El?-

Seriously? The second line and he's already mentioned El? He reads it as fast as he can, and finds the rest of the short letter is the exact same. He supposed this was the same thing as with Lucas' letter but... at least he wrote him pages, and could go a whole paragraph without bringing Max up. It didn't even seem like Lucas realized he was doing it either, apologizing multiple times, while Mike's seemed almost deliberate.

Maybe he's reading too much into this. He did get his overthinking from his mom after all. Mike was probably just worried about his Girlfriend, and that was why his letter was like that. This was his best friend, first friend, longest friend, there's no way he was already losing interest in him after a week.

...Right?

Standing up, he grabbed all the letters, and basically ran to his room. He opened the first drawer he could, and all but threw them in. The pounding in his head, and trembling limbs made it harder to think, so he laid down.

Everything was fine, Will was just overreacting. The next letter he got from Mike would be longer. Besides, he had three other much longer letters, and more to come. Everything was fine. He just had to write back, and then he'd get a better letter and it would all be more than fine.

With that in mind he shot up, grabbed the drafts he had already written, and sat down at his desk. If he replied fast enough, he might get a response before school starts. Barely containing his excitement, Will started on the first letter.

––––––

He didn't end up getting any more letters in the time before school started. He had checked the mailbox himself for the week leading up to it. It was fine though, and besides, El and Jonathan hadn't gotten anything either. He'd just have to wait another week or so. No big deal.

At least they could call still, even if El technically wasn't supposed to. And they really did try to call as much as they could. It seemed as if the phone was always being used. The Party called the most, usually all together in Mike's basement. Nancy and, surprisingly, Steve called almost as much too. If Will and El weren't on the phone, then Jonathan was. It definitely wasn't perfect, and they had gotten in their fair share of arguments over it, but it was good enough. They had to work with what they had after all. And that wasn't a lot.

And if they weren't on the phone, then they were preparing for the new school year. This was Jonathan's last year in high-school, and Will and El's first, so they were all busy getting ready. Well, it was more like El's first year of school ever, so she had been a lot more frenzied than them.

But now it was the day before, and Will was freaking out. He had been too worried for the past week with getting everything in order, that he forgot exactly what he was preparing for.

High-school.

In a completely new place.

With people he didn't know.

So yah, he was freaking the hell out right now. Just thinking about having to spend one year in this place was awful. When he thought about having to spend four or more, he basically stopped functioning. How did he ever think he could do this?

There were just too many variables. And knowing his luck, it wouldn't take long for something to go wrong. And he really didn’t want to worry his family anymore, or worse, disappoint them. And this was El's first year of being a regular kid, he couldn't ruin that for her. How was he meant to keep her and everyone else happy if something went wrong? How were they meant to move on and heal if he inevitably messed something up? Oh God, he was totally gonna mess something up. It was only a matter of time, and he didn't want to, he really didn't, but how was he meant to keep everything in order, if everything was new, and unpredictable, and he couldn't keep u-

"WILL!"

He startled so hard he fell off his bed. "Ow!" Sitting up he rubbed the arm he fell on.

"Hey, are you ok?" Came from the other side of his door.

"Uh, yah, I just got startled..." He stood up and made his way to the door, before opening it. "Um, hey. Did you need something?"

Jonathan stood there, eyes narrowed. "Yes, actually. Ive been calling you for a few minutes now; Mom just finished dinner, and everyone else is already there."

"Oh. Sorry, I was... sleeping." Jonathan just stared, before taking a step closer.

"Hey. If... if there's anything you wanted to talk to me about, you can. I'm here, alright?" He pulled Will into a hug. Will blinked back the sudden tears in his eyes and nodded, not saying anything. "Now, let's go eat ok? It's a big day tomorrow." Jonathan pulled away first, smiled, and guided Will down the hall to the dining room.

When they got there, they found El or Jane — He'd have to get used to calling her that now. — talking to their mom in a fast-paced jumble of words. Will could hardly make out any real words being said.

"Ah, Will! Jonathan! I am telling Joyce how i am excited for school! It is very difficult for me to sit still." Her hands waved around dramatically.

Will chuckled while he sat down. "Yah?"

She nodded her head so quickly, he thought she might get whiplash. "Yes. I can not wait for tomorrow. There is so much I get to do, and I have never been to school before. What is it like?"

"Oh uh well, there's a lot of people, and classes. And um, homework too."

"What is home-work?" Her head tilted to the side like a curious puppy.

"Well, teachers usually give you work that you have to do at home, basically. It can be like, a worksheet, or an essay, or a presentation..." his explanation trailed off at the confusion in her eyes. Oh, right. She had never been to school, so she had no idea what any of that stuff was. "But, it's not that difficult. I can help you with anything you have, or explain it to you. The teachers usually give detailed instructions anyway!"

El looked at her plate for a second before smiling again. "Okay!" And then she was devouring her food. Will smiled back, before also starting on his own food.

Soon enough conversation started up between all of them, and they fell into an easy rhythm. It was nice having a meal with his family. He decided he could let his worries go for a moment, so he could enjoy this. He could let everything else dissappear for a night, and just talk to his family. Watch his mom laugh, his brother joke around, and his sister talk excitedly.

He would probably worry again tomorrow, but right now he was too busy having fun with his family.