A week rolled on and Will and Five were able to get off work on this particular Sunday. He had told Will to get off that day so he and him could do something truly special for their first date. Will was curious about what Five was up to since his lips were tight on what their date was going to be like. He liked that Five was embracing the relationship and felt blessed that Five and him were able to explore this part of their bond together. Five was truly a man out of time and one of a kind and Will was loving that Five did seem to love him. Even if that word hasn't touched his soft, gentle yet sassy lips, it was through his actions on wanting to be there and care for him, making Will smile tenderly.

Will went through his closet so he could dress nice for the occasion, which was hard when a lot of stuff he knew were hand me downs. His eyes spotted a nice new looking blue blazer with matching dark blue pants and a crisp white dress shirt. When did he get this Will wondered but it was perfect Will beamed as he changed into it. As he was getting dressed, he could hear noises in the kitchen. What was all the commotion Will pondered as he glanced himself in the mirror. The hair was truly horrible but until it grew out more so he could style it better, he was stuck with the bowl cut look. How Five found him attractive Will didn't know but at least he kind of looked good. Will took a deep breath as he went into the kitchen to see Five making food and a picnic basket on the counter. His heart beamed with warm fluttering butterflies since Five was being all romantic and sweet.

"Five? What are you doing?" Will asked calmly.

He looked to be a mess but Will found Five cute in the apron and hair being disheveled. Five glanced at Will and he couldn't help but smile at his loving boyfriend, who looked very handsome today.

"Prepping for a picnic, our picnic. Figured we do it now before it got cold." Five said nonchalantly

Will smiled a bit and noticed Five could use a hand based on the mess. He got a jar of peanut butter out since he knows Five loves peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches. Five should have his comfort food on this date as he always wanted to make Five comfortable and happy.

"Let me help Five." Will told him sweetly as he was making sandwiches.

Five could feel a light blush forming but didn't care since Will was a sweetheart of a guy. His stomach was growling a small bit at the sandwiches Will was making but he could eat later.

"Thanks.. Sorry about the mess. First time making a picnic, let alone for a date. Just want things to be perfect and well…I've been busy on several components that the cleaning got away from me." Five expressed scrambling around to try and get the kitchen cleaner for Joyce.

Will nodded and noticed the flour and splotches on the apron. A lovely smell coming from the oven and that made Will curious. Five was going all out if the aroma told Will anything and the fact he was baking something from scratch was truly heartwarming.

"You were making a pie too Five?" Will asked warmly, moving on to put some grapes the basket.

"Yea I figured we have some dessert to go with our lunch…Too much?" Five asked cringing a bit at how desperate it could look.

Will shook his head as he checked the pie in the oven. It was a mouthwatering blueberry pie with a lattice crust….or what seemed to be one since it was clear from some of the crust that Five wasn't a baker. Yet, Five truly was putting in so much for their date and it made Will feel good. He closed the oven and glanced over at Five with a tender smile. Even with all the flour, muck, and whirlwind look Five was sporting, Five truly was a terrific guy.

"Maybe a tad but I do love blueberries. Next time though, maybe I can help so you don't look so frazzled. You do look a bit like hell and you shouldn't have done all this alone." Will suggested, glancing at Five with soft yet sassy eyes.

Five chuckled and held his hand up in defense and playfully tossed a towel beside Will.

"Hey its first time making a picnic and I never been on one let alone with a date?" Five sassed.

"You don't have to be all defensive and snarky Five. I know you're only doing this because you care so much and I do like all of this, really, I do." Will mused as he went to get water bottles from the fridge to pack.

"Sorry, it's a reflex. I just want it to be enjoyable and fun for us. Blame my dad for being too old school and never teaching us needed basics. I'm surprised I am able to function like a normal human being since we were all so starved for social interactions and for love."

Will understood and Five's dad was always going to be that chip on his shoulder. He got it but at least Five was doing this from his heart and not to show off. Five might have done things to impress others but with each other, Five always was kind and genuine in what they did together.

"I only know vaguely on how this works from Jonathan so don't worry. This is all new to me too but I'm glad we can go through this together though." Will encouraged, pecking Five on his cheek.

"Me too, I respect women who do this all the time, it's not easy and I clearly need to practice." Five expressed with a chuckle.

Will helped to finish making and prepping food for their picnic. He also made sure to pack a bag of books, his sketch pad, and a camera so they could take photos. Will also made sure they brought coats with them since the air could turn chilly at any time. When everything was packed and gathered, Five blipped them to a lovely picnic area that was very private and secluded. Five made sure they would be safe and not have any prying eyes on them since he wanted them to fully explore and not hide their affections. Will smiled as he looked at the autumn landscape and sunny brisk cool day they had. He helped to set up the blankets for them so they could enjoy their lunch.

When they settled onto the blanket, Will took notice of Five's outfit. It was a modest jean jacket with a striped black and grey long-sleeved shirt and black jeans. He could truly look good in anything Will thought and got out the grapes.

"Anything on your mind?" Will asked softly.

"No, I'm just glad to be here. Its peaceful and I'm sharing this beautiful day with you." Five said with warm smile.

Will smiled and handed some grapes to Five. They sat close to each other and watched the leaves fall gracefully down from the trees. He saw the peace on Five's face and he looped one of his hands in Five's tenderly.

"You know…when I was taken to the Upside Down, I worried if I was ever going to see the bright colors of home ever again. Even though that was years ago, I still treasure this season the most. A time of change but it's so beautiful too." Will shared with Five.

"I like fall but I always love to experience the real winter experience. Watching snow fall, decorating a tree, all that stuff regular people do with their family. I'm glad I've had that in my life. But yes, I do love the colors of the leaves and how just serene it all looks. Beautiful." Five murmured softly in Will's ear.

They moved on to sandwiches and Will took out one of the ones Five made. It was a delicate chicken sandwich with tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce cut in triangle slices. Will took a bite into the sandwich and couldn't help but take in the melody of flavors. He even seasoned it with the right amount of salt and pepper and it was a wonderful bite of food.

"Delicious." Will managed to say, mouth still slightly full.

Five breathed a sigh of relief since didn't want Will to spit out or force down his food. The fact Will was enjoying it meant that this picnic wouldn't have too many sour notes to it. Will mattered and he wanted to be someone Will would love being with.

"Glad I didn't mess up that part. I know you enjoy those, so I made a few for you to enjoy." Five said softly.

Will smiled as Five took one of the peanut butter marshmallow sandwiches and couldn't help but chuckle as Five took a bite into the treat. Both boys could be considered adults and yet Five enjoying a sandwich a five-year-old would enjoy just was a sweet sight to see.

"Not much has changed in your four years here huh?" Will teased lightly.

"No not really, we just grew up, and are starting to see life can be more than this town. A life I would want to share with you if I can." Five said and kissed Will's cheek

Will blushed a bit and just glanced over at Five. He was the luckiest guy Will thought since Five liked him of all people. They both grew up and, in some ways, little changed for Will in a lot of ways and he nervously stroked the back of his head, grazing his bowl cut hair.

"Maybe when we do leave, more things will change hopefully." Will expressed, eyes avoiding Five's since he still wondered what Five saw in him in terms of appearance.

Five smiled and could sense Will's nerves. He really didn't see what amazing features he had in his personality and in his looks.

" Look Will, you are awesome and you're a good person. You are aware I'm not that shallow right? I truly like you and we are so wonderful because we were amazing friends. So you do know I like you, like really like you; more than anyone else I've dated right?" Five asked him.

Will raised an eyebrow since when he dated girls they were often pretty with few flaws in appearances. Yet Will knew there were multiple aspects to attractiveness. I mean he could see why Nancy liked his brother helping with the demogorons aside. But he wasn't Jonathan, he was Will Byers; the artsy kid in Hawkins High who was often teased and tormented all his life.

"I know that but I can't help but wonder what goes in your head about me sometimes. What you, well what you see in me." Will mused as he bit into his second sandwich.

Five shook his head since there was so many things but he knew Will meant physically. Honest to what ever higher power there might be, Five liked a lot of things about Will that didn't compare to either sex.

"You have a nice, handsome yet beautiful face, soft eyes, and you don't suffer from skincare issues like most people. It's shallow sounding I know I met Keith yikes, what he does to have that much acne. Gross, so gross so I am thankful you seem to have a flawless complexion. But you also are creative, wise, funny, artistic, sweet, gentle, supportive, and a whole bunch of adjectives that are positive and what I like about you. But yeah, you're the most smoothest person in Hawkins." Five chuckled, finishing his sandwich.

Will chuckled as well and felt the pressure and nerves exit his body.

"Not sure how I managed the good skin but I am lucky at least for that. I am glad you and I do have this special bond. Thought I wouldn't have anything like this and that I had to be alone."

"You have friends who care about you, even if I wasn't around." Five assured warmly.

"I know that, but it's different when you have a person to love, you know. Jonathan is probably going to ask Nancy to marry him; Hop and my mom are planning a wedding so it was on my mind lately. I'm glad I have this with you, even if we need to be careful about it." Will admitted.

Five nodded warmly and took Will's hand to kiss it gently. Sparks lingered on his lips and he kissed Will's hand once more. How he was blind for the last three years as to not realize he loved Will was a disgrace. He was just so relieved Will cared for him too and that they could be open and sweet like lovers as well as friends.

"I'm glad we have this too Will."

They moved on to Five's blueberry pie he made and it did seem to look very nice misshaped crust aside. Will got himself a slice and took a bit of it. It was a bit too sweet and the pie crust was a bit well done but it was still a decent enough pie. Five had a piece himself and he enjoyed it, though it was a bit sweet for pie but it was delicious. He did wince at the sharp after taste and realize he sucks at baking.

"Okay so next time I'm helping you bake and maybe we should try brownies. They are much simpler than a pie." Will suggested.

"Yea probably a good idea, I put too much sugar in it didn't I?" Five questioned bashfully.

"Yes you did and you need a bit of spice too, at least that's how mom does it anyway. Still, making a pie is sweet and not what I expected." Will beamed.

"I guess I should pay more attention to how she does it before I attempt it again." Five said with light chuckle

Will nodded and they moved on to reading a comic together and Will couldn't help but feel so happy on how this date was going. He glanced over to Five and he just seemed…happier and not as troubled. Not a trace of frustration, stress or anger lingered on Five's face and Will could rest easy knowing Five wanted to continue their bond for as long as the two lived. He thought about a time where Five had the choice to work on getting home and to the pair, that almost seemed like a lifetime ago rather than three and a half years.

"You remember how I got mad when I thought you were leaving?" Will asked as they finished reading.

Five winced at the thought since that was one of the few times Will got pissed at him. He nodded and sighed at how horrible that day was in the beginning of it. Never did he want to upset Will and perhaps that should have been the first realization he felt for Will more than a friendly way.

"Yea you saw my formula and thought I was going to just leave without saying anything. I decided to stay because I enjoyed the life I had, my friends, Joyce, and of course you." Five said with a warm smile.

"Well, there was more to that. I realized when we were making our new castle fort that I had felt this way about you. So, you leaving would have broken my heart. Guess I've been in love with you for all that time that you going home and back to your time would have sucked for me. Part of my heart would have been gone since you'd taken it and I would never be the same." Will admitted, setting the comic aside.

Five sat up and gawked in surprise. He thought those words would maybe have come from his mouth first but Will, Will had the courage and said…did he really say it?

"Wait, did you just say what I think you said."

Will blushed and questioned,

"What did you think I said?"

"That you been in love with me?" Five asked. He blushed since this was a vulnerable position for him too

"Y-Yes…I've been in love with you and I am in love with you. I liked us being friends but I couldn't ignore how good you made me feel and how happy I am when I am with you. I haven't felt so full of warmth since before I was taken to that dark and awful place. I just…I just love you so much." Will professed softly.

Five smiled softly to himself. Will…his dear, kind, loving Will loved him. He knew they loved each other, but hearing it just truly made Five calmer and bolder. It made him feel that he could take on anything and that included his own declaration.

"I love you too, Will. I loved you for a while but I couldn't pinpoint the exact time it all started. You helped me live a life as a normal person not someone else's experiment or tool for a greater good. I got to do things with you I never would if I didn't get stuck here. "Five said and kissed Will.

Will kissed back and adjusted himself to where he was in Five's lap. Their kiss was soft yet heated and Will smiled as he ran his fingers in Five's locks. When they pulled away, Will could see the warmth and light in Five's eyes and it was a look he hadn't seen before but loved seeing.

"You're always going to have me Five." Will told him softly and gently placed his hands on Five's chest.

Five smiled softly.

"Thanks, Will. You will always have me too." Five said holding Will's waist.

Will smiled and took out a camera from his bag that was close by.

"Let's take some photos. I want to be able to look back on this day; one of the better days of my life." Will suggested.

"We are going to have amazing days in the future too. But yea let's take some and make an album. We just going to have to hide it from most people." Five said.

"Jon can even help develop them. He's very good at it and he would be happy to help us make our book." Will said with a brimming smile.

Five raised an eyebrow at that statement since that was the opposite of hiding. He didn't even know if Jonathan would approve of him dating Will.

"Yea I thought you didn't want to tell anyone; the photos might be obvious when Jonathan sees them. I mean…how do you think he would feel about us, that his little brother fell in love with a messed-up time traveler?" he questioned.

"Well…he kind of already knows about us…has known for a bit, least my feelings." Will admitted.

"Shit really." Five asked bit fidgeting.

Will could see Five's nerves and kissed his head. Will found Five's fidgeting nerves about his brother's thoughts cute. Still, Five had nothing to worry about and Jon told Will as much when he came out.

"He's completely chill about us, little surprised at first but he accepts me and he kind of likes you're the guy I like to be honest."

" Really? A prep school former hero with daddy issues? Wow that is a bit funny and strange." Five chuckled, resting his head on Will's shoulder.

"Well my brother and I have father issues too and I've been in hell more or less so….yes you're good for me. Protective, funny, smart, and sweet when you want to be and I wouldn't change a thing." Will told him sweetly, snapping a photo of Five and him together.

They took some photos of each other, some in goofy poses and some more loving, and of course some with one kissing the cheek of the other. It was a great time a picnic with each other and Five only wanted to continue to add to Will's happiness. There was no way he was going to return to the life he knew at 13 and the only hero he cared to be, was one for his Will. Nothing else mattered and Five was content with the person he was with.