Hey guys! So I've decided that even though this is an in between of the two major plots, this story is still going to have a plot, and it's gonna be good, ok? And I'm trying to make it good so please keep reading and reviewing because it means a lot to me.

April 17, 1987

Will laughed as he stared at Troy's shocked face. He had just finished drawing a picture of his friend and was now revealing the awaited masterpiece.

"That's incredible!" Troy gasped as he stared in awe at the portrait.

Will smiled and felt his cheeks go warm.

He pushed his hair away from his forehead and then proceeded to lay down on the checkered blanket Troy had brought.

Will considered this to be a perfect day. There were fluffy clouds dotted across the blue sky and it wasn't too hot and there was a continuous soft breeze.

"Seriously dude, how the hell do you do this?" Troy asked as he placed the drawing in his folder. He now had quite a few folders filled with Will's drawings. The two had decided to meet every Sunday on the hill to talk and hang out. It helped both of them escape from the things they've experienced. It was their safe place.

Will shrugged, "I guess it's because I've been drawing for a long time... I mean I'm 16 and I can't remember a time where I didn't draw."

Troy seemed satisfied with that as he decided to lay down next to Will.

The two sat in comfortable silence, staring at the sky through the leaves. Every once in a while they would point out a cloud and say that it looked like the other person. They would laugh and both get a fuzzy feeling that they couldn't explain.

Will would steal glances at Troy, taking in every aspect of his face. He had brown eyes, curly hair, and a warming smile, considering how he used to act.

Troy caught Will staring and flushed, "What?" He asked, pushing himself up on his elbow.

Will copied his movement, not breaking eye contact, "I just.. I don't think I've never seen the real you until now."

Troy let out a soft laugh, "What do you mean?"

"Well... before.. I think we were both isolated. We were scared of showing our true selves and over these past couple of months I've definitely noticed how easy it is to talk to you now.. and just a second ago I saw you. You're kind, and shy.. even though you come across like outgoing.. You're a good person with a good heart and... I think that's really nice.." Will explained, his voice getting soft at the end.

Troy stared at him and suddenly felt an overpowering urge to kiss him. It might have been the sun hitting the features on his face just right, or the way his hair was pushed away so he could cleary see his eyes, or what he had just said about Troy, but he didn't care. All he knew was that he really cared about this boy, and he wanted to show him. So he leaned in and kissed him.

It was quick and soft, but it felt right.

Will blanked the moment Troy's lips pressed against his own. He had a shocked expression as Troy pulled away, which then caused Troy to go into full panic mode.

"Oh- Oh my gosh- I- I'm sorry- I should've asked or something-" Troy stuttered as he stood up and made to leave.

Will finally composed himself and stood up as well, "Wait!" He called after Troy.

He caught up to the boy and turned him around. Will took hold of his shirt collar with both hands and pulled him into a kiss. It was longer and more gentle than the first. It filled the two with such an amazing, safe feeling that neither of them wanted to end.

Will pulled away but didn't release Troy's shirt.

Troy had a giddy look on his face and felt weak in the knees.

"I've been wanting to do that for a while.." Will confessed.

Troy smiled, "Me too."

Will then gave him one more soft kiss before grabbing his stuff and leading Troy back down the hill. Their fingers interlaced and their hearts full, they decided that they felt the same towards each other.

April 21, 1987

Will knocked softly on the door of the Wheeler's residence, hopping from foot to foot.

Mike opened the door and his face brightened as he saw his friend.

"Hey Will, what's up?" Mike asked as he welcomed him into his home.

"I.. I have to talk to you about something." Will said, nervousness rising in his voice.

Mike's face changed to concern, "Is it good or bad?" He asked as they walked to Mike's room.

"Well.. It's good for me.. but I don't know how any of you will think of it." Will responded.

Mike nodded, "If it makes you happy then I'm sure that I can accept it."

Will felt some weight lift off his chest, he was always glad at how understanding Mike was.

"Okay.. this is going to sound crazy but bear with me okay?"

Mike nodded from where he sat on his bed.

Will started pacing as the words flew out of his mouth, "Okay so you know how we helped Troy a couple of months ago and he apologized for being a jerk and stuff? Well then he came directly to me and apologized and then we started talking and stuff and I would like draw around him and we would hang out every Sunday on this hill that I found- It's kind of like our safe place- anyway I found out that he's actually an insanely nice person who has trouble with his feelings because no one ever taught him how to control them, and he's really great and supportive and I've really enjoyed getting to know him and we've become really great friends and Sunday we were on the hill and I have no idea what happened but I frickin kissed him." Will felt the hot jumble of words roll off his tongue before he even had time to process what he was thinking.

Will sucked in a breath as he watched Mike's face go through many different emotions.

It was a good five minutes before either of them spoke.

"Mike?" Will asked, his voice soft.

Mike looked at him.

"Are you mad?" Will whispered.

Mike's face relaxed as he sighed, "God no Will, I'm not mad. I'm definitely shocked but I'm not mad." He said as he placed his hands on Will's shoulders.

"Well... what do you think of all of this?" Will asked him.

Mike was quiet for a second, "I believe you.. about how you said that Troy has changed and that he's nice. I noticed it when we got him out of the library and I confirmed it when he apologized. And then when he asked you to go with him to get some punch at the snowball I realized that he's changed. And now I know that he has by what you've said and.. honestly if you're happy with your relationship with him.. then I am too. In fact, I want us all to talk about this and.. meet the real Troy." Mike answered, his voice steady.

"All of us?" Will asked.

Mike nodded, "The whole party."

Will smiled and let out a little cheer as he hugged Mike.

Mike laughed and hugged his friend back.

Memories of all the things that Troy did flashed through his head. The most vivid was the one at the quarry. He knew that it would take a very long time for him to forgive Troy for that but as of right now, he was going to let it slide.

Yes, Mike was going to ignore the fact that Troy had almost gotten him killed because he was more focused on his friend being happy than his personal grudges. That was just the type of person that Mike was.

Later

The whole party was gathered in Mike's basement, waiting for the news that they had all been promised. El sat quietly next to Mike, giving him a confused look.

Mike just gave her a small smile.

"Okay.. okay." Will said as he stood up from where he sat.

His friends ended their conversations as they focused their attention on their cleric.

"So... this is going to be hard to take in but I'm asking you all right now to not freak out or anything because this person makes me very happy and I want you all to get to know his true self." Will said to the group.

"Of course, man." Lucas said, as Max nodded in agreement.

"Definitely." Dustin said.

El gave him a reassuring look.

Will took in a deep breath and explained his relationship with Troy, doing a better job than when he exploded in Mike's room.

As he finished, Will felt his face go hot as he scanned the faces of his friends. They had the same reacrion as Mike, which made him feel a little more relieved.

"Okay.. okay so you and.. Troy?" Max asked.

Will nodded.

"Damm that boy must've really changed if he became friends with such a nice kid like you." She said.

"He's.. changed.. I mean... wow." Dustin stuttered.

Lucas tapped his foot, "So.. now what?" He asked, turning to Will.

"Now.. I want you all to get to know the side of him that I know. You guys actually have a lot in common. He likes DD.. and Star Wars.. he's a nerd and he's nice and caring.. I know, I was surprised and hesitant at first too but.. he's different now, and you'll be able to see it." Will explained.

His friends nodded, looking satisfied with that answer.

"Is he here?" El asked as she noticed Will looking at the stair case every once in a while.

Will nodded and called for Troy. The basement door opened and Troy hesitantly made his way down the stairs.

He stood next to will and looked over the party. He raised his hand and gave a small wave, "Hi." He said quietly.

"Hey." Mike said, waiving back.

"Sup."

"Hi, man."

"Wow, he really does look different."

"Dustin."

Max hit Dustin's hat and then turned back to Troy.

Troy bit his lip as he awkwardly stood next to Will, "Um.. so look guys.. I'm really really really sorry for being a complete ass to you guys. I never should've treated you that way and I regret it everyday and none of you desrved that, especially after everything you've been through and I just hope that someday you'll be able to forgive me." Troy said quickly.

The party stared at him in silence for a minute.

"I forgive you." El said.

Troy smiled at her.

"Me too, I know that you were shit and you probably feel like shit becasue of it but, I forgive you. That doesn't mean that I wont make fun of you for it though." Dustin said, earning him another hit from Max because of that last statement.

Troy let out a small laugh, "I'd expect you to."

"You never really did anything to me so if Will can forgive you then so do I." Max said.

"Well shit, if my girlfriend forgives you then I guess I do to." Lucas said.

Max smirked at him.

Troy felt so relieved he almost fell to the ground.

He gulped as Mike stood up and walked towards him, "You'll have to earn your spot in the party but.. just know that you're welcome and if you ever hurt Will then I will personally come and cut off your dick." Mike stated, holding out his hand.

Troy let out a small gasp-laugh noise before shaking Mike's hand, "Thanks."

EyyYyy. Since this is officially an AU now, I can give Troy redemption okay? I enjoyed writing this chapter and we will definitely see more like this, so for now, stay hydrated and wonderful you beautiful people and I will post again soon- hopefully before 2018 :)