Will checked his watch and he didn't realize how late it truly was. He was with Dustin with his Cebero, a very powerful ham radio he built, so that he could talk to his girlfriend he met at camp. Despite the initial interest of seeing if the radio worked on the hill, Will realized he had been out for too long and needed to head back. The sky getting dark should have been his first clue but to see 7:00 on his watch confirmed that he needed to get home. Not only might his mother be worried but he didn't want to anger Five by being home late. He did say eight the latest so Will still had time to get back home. Everyone else had already left and if he was going to return home by eight, he needed to leave now.

"Um it's late Dustin, I need to get back home." Will shyly spoke.

"What? Come on, I'm sure Suzie will pick up soon. Stay, come on!" Dustin begged.

"Dustin I would love to be here, really, but I need to get back home, I'm sorry."

Dustin sighed a bit angrily and expressed,

"I just got back home and you saw how Mike and El just left, then Lucas and Max. Thought you would at least be here for me."

"I-I know but…I promised a new friend that I'd be home to help him make a D&D character. He wants to learn how to play and I promised I would be home by now."

Dustin raised an eyebrow since this had to be recent. Will was normally good in sending Dustin letters over camp so to just be hearing about this new friend was surprising. He did feel a bit hurt that Will was leaving him to be with a new guy, but seeing Will's eyes light up slightly did make Dustin smile a tad despite the light jealously.

"Oh a new friend? What's his name? What's he like? When did you two meet? Details Will, details."

Will chuckled nervously and answered,

"Aidan. He's a bit blunt, sassy, and knows it all but he is also kind, has similar taste in music, and really understanding. We met last night at the movie theater since he ran away from his strict father, like ran from very far away. I'm having him stay at my place until we figure out something."

"Kind of sounds like he came out of nowhere and out of the blue."

Literally on both counts Will thought and nodded. Just something about Five was just well…unique and even with him being playful and blunt they had such…chemistry.

"Yeah but he's so different from El and Max but in a good way. Mike kind of already doesn't like him but he hasn't given him a proper chance. Maybe all of us guys can come together after Aidan's job to play D&D. You know, have some fun now that you're back."

Dustin nodded but also he sighed. He wasn't going to keep Will here but it did seem going to camp for the summer, while fun, kind of changed priorities. Lucas was more on Max, Mike with El, and Will seemingly wanted to strengthen the new bond. But at least until the rest, Will was going to introduce Aidan formally to the gang so that he could be everyone's friend. Although he recalled something and he asked,

"Wait, how old is he if he has a job?"

Will chuckled and explained,

"He's around our age, he just didn't want to have me think he's leeching off my family. He's working at the ice cream parlor that Steve is at so double chances for free ice cream right?"

"Wow, kind of neat he cares for your family and cool that he's working. Definitely have him come to Mike's despite pissing Mike off since I want to meet this kid."

"Yeah of course Dustin. See you tomorrow and again, welcome home."

Will raced down the hill and got to his bike, racing god knows how fast back to his home. He really didn't want to blow this since he didn't know how annoyed Five would be for coming late at home. He thought of Five and hoped he liked D&D since that would mean a hobby they can share together. Just having another friend made Will all excited and he just seemed cool being from the future and powers aside. He just hopes Five wouldn't be angry at him since Will can kind of sense he did have a slight temper with how he and Mike argued last night.

Will checked his watch when he made it back home and it was 8:15…oh boy he thought. When he got inside he saw Five munching on another of his peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich. Will noticed a pizza box on the table and Five stated a bit harshly,

"Saved you two slices. Didn't want you to miss on pizza."

Will frowned a bit as he grabbed a paper plate and took out the remaining two slices. Five gave him a somewhat stern look but his whole demeanor just seemed to be calm and concerned.

"So, I'm guessing you weren't just at….Dustin's house?" Five asked, questioning if he got the right friend's name.

"Uh yeah…Dustin made this more powerful ham radio that was like a tower and he wanted us to speak to his girlfriend. Sadly we couldn't reach her and I didn't know I was out that late until I did….You're not mad at me are you?"

Five scoffed a bit as he bit into his sandwich. He looked over Will and he can see that he practically raced back with the shortness of breath and small beads of sweat on his forehead. It did appear to Five that Will really did want to spend time with him and that he shouldn't be so hard on him. Still a ham radio that could reach god knows how many states away that was made by a teen was impressive. Five made portable wrist communicators at age ten so Dustin would be someone he would like to meet. Maybe he could figure out why the radio was fritzing or not working.

"No, not too much. More like worried you were standing me up. Not like I would have cared much but I kind of hoped we would make my character together rather than me making it alone. I'll be honest, my family didn't do a lot of shit together that wasn't superhero stuff or homeschool. Guess I just want to have a bit of normal stuff while I'm here."

Will smiled as he ate at the table and started on his pizza. Five blipped to Will's room to get the character sheets, dice, D&D reference guides, and pens. He reappeared in a chair opposite Will and his eyes widened at just how skilled Five was with his powers. A grin came across Five's face as showed off more to retrieve his sandwich and return to his seat with teleportation. He chuckled and nodded softly, stating,

"My siblings always told me I was cheating when using my powers in races or spars, but at least my father said I was adapting and using all of my abilities."

"Well it kind of is, I mean unless your siblings had powers that made you feel you need to cheat. I mean teleporting is very useful and I honestly could have used it coming home."

Five wondered if he should be sharing anymore about his family, powers, and other aspects of his life. Part of him knew it would be stupid and damaging to share it with a boy he just met yet he really wanted to open up and not keep up lies and deception A sigh escaped him and he stroked the back of his neck. Instead of addressing it, he instead turned to the character sheet and motioned it to Will.

"Let's first make me a character and level him up a bit. If there's time before we need to sleep; perhaps I will share something with you if you share something with me. All the art in your room about the shadow creatures and demon looking plants caught my eye and intrigued me."

Will laughed a bit nervously since…well he did want to learn more about Five but sharing his hell would be very personal and painful. Still, if Five wanted to trust him it did seem fair enough.

"Alright. Now there are many different types of classes in D&D and each have their own strengths and powers. Each different type of mage, spellcaster, warlock, and bard have their own list of spells and as you level up you will learn them. And of course you should decide on the race of your character. There's Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Humans, Dragonborns, Gnomes, Half-elves, Half-orcs, and Tieflings. So uh…yeah take your time in deciding the race and class of your character."

Five read through the races and classes and was a bit entranced with the combinations that characters could have. He was a bit torn between two classes and he glanced up from the user manual.

"I'm torn between the rogue class and the fighter class, any suggestions?"

"Well you can make two characters; but which one do you really connect with for your first character? Maybe think about how you'd fight and that can help. I mean…I always liked magic and was always intrigued with its possibilities hence why I am a magic user when I don't dm, meaning when I am not the dungeon master."

Five read carefully at what the fighter and rogue entailed and seemingly his fighting style seemed more attuned to the rogue. They could even use magic from scrolls, which can include teleportation. He read through the races descriptions as well and chuckled lightly.

"Guess I'll be a bit boring and have my first character be a human rogue. I tend to like sneaking behind others, taking their weapons and then finishing them off. I was tempted to be a gnome for the intellect but I know I'm probably going to get ragged on for that."

Will chuckled a bit but did speak,

"Maybe keep that in the back of your mind for another character, a gnome rogue who can somehow steal stuff despite being so short. But yeah a human rogue does work, almost as well as a half-elf rogue but I do like the honesty in your character. Know backstory, ever character needs one."

Five raised an eyebrow and Will nodded.

"I'm not kidding. It will help the DM understand your character and perhaps weave it into storytelling in campaigns at points. Now you can take as much as you need to come up with a name and backstory."

This was starting to get a bit…excessive but it was kind of interesting. There was hardly any room for creativity unless it was how to take down bad guys and Vanya with her music. He thought carefully about what his character was about, his family, his skills, weapons, and why he fights. Alignments were also a thing Five noticed and clearly he wanted a variance of good or neutral. He glanced at Will's eyes and he couldn't help but feel a bit happy with him taking an interest in him. Truly a strange yet kind hearted boy.

"Okay um…his name shall be Holden Clovegraves. He's a chaotic good human rogue who was brought into a thieves guild as a baby. His father and guildmaster ran the guild with a tight ship, making sure that heists, missions, and stealth operations went his way. Holden had siblings that he ran with in crimes but they were always targeting the rich and helping the greater good. Holden and his guild messed with the wrong aristocrat and found the guild's location. The guild was bombarded with fire, catapults, and everyone in the guild was killed except for Holden. He managed to take his brother Darval's knife, his brother Luxford's ax, his sister Alvara's pendant, and his brother Bradford's transportation scrolls. He's up for adventuring for gold and glory but he will do anything to achieve it."

Will could sense Five was projecting a bit of his own family into his character but that's probably why it was good. He and Five went over the stat spread, rules, and what each of the dice did as Will also ate his pizza. Based on how Five was jotting stuff down and asking questions showed that he was taking an interest in the game. Just his luck Will thought and was just glad Five was enjoying this with gusto.

"Alright but I'm level one now; how can I get some levels before tomorrow?" Five asked.

"Well I could always have you play a small campaign tonight. I do have a good beginner's one I made which includes taking down a bandit gang. What do you say, what to run through and perhaps get four levels?"

"Let's do this, Will the Wise." Five spoke with playful smirk.

Will went to his room to get materials he needed. He had a spare human figure to give to Five to use as his token. He went over the rules with Five again before they started the Bandit Gang of Kalvearis. They played off each other well and Five respect will as a DM but still gave him some slight shit and sass.

"You really think these assholes have that good of perception? You said yourself that some of them are barbarians. One clearly has an eyepatch!" Five argued.

Will shook his finger playfully at Five and expressed,

"Don't judge solely by appearances, this gang has been ravaging and committing thefts for half a century. Clearly they know how to remain hidden but also can feel when they are being watched. Now one of them senses your presence, what will you do?"

Five scoffed but played along,

"I want to roll to see if I can trick him with a bird call to have him think it's a bird and go on his merry way."

"Okay, roll for action."

Five ended up pulling that movie successfully and turns later slit that oaf's throat. Will and Five were having fun and things were getting dire and close as Five had to face down the bandit leader with only five hit points remaining. He managed to avoid the ax of the bandit leader and slammed his knife through the leader's carotid artery and killed him. Five jump out and shouted in victory and Will couldn't help but smile. This was one of the first times since Five got here that he was actually having fun and getting excited despite his mistake.

"Congrats, you made it through your first campaign. Rejoice in the levels, spoils, and experience. Hopefully tomorrow you will engage in the party in another campaign of my design."

"Oh hell yes I will. After work I will come over to Mike's and play, even if I piss him off by being there."

Both boys laughed and glanced at the time. Wow it was already 11 and Five knew he needed rest for tomorrow. They got themselves showered, dressed, and ready for bed; Five taking the sleeping bag and Will getting his bed. Will glanced down at Five and saw he was still awake. Five noticed him staring and chuckled.

"You hadn't forgotten I gathered?"

"No I haven't. I mean don't get me wrong I really like having you here and we had so much fun. It's the most fun I had in a while. I just…I really want to get to know you, the real you and not the bullshit we're going to have to tell everyone else until you spill the truth yourself. You can understand that right? I mean there's this motto I have among my friends and that is 'friends don't lie'. Yes it's childish but I do want us to be friends so hence no lies."

He was right, Five thought. That was a very childish sentiment. Five wasn't sure what information he can even share that wouldn't have time collapse or have it go in a while different time path. Yet he glanced up at Will's sincere face and felt a bit of his heart drop from not being a bit open to 'his savior'. Fuck he thought as he rested his head on his arms.

"Okay I will talk a small bit tonight. I will share the year I came from and my siblings and their powers to start. In return I want to know about the inspiration behind some of these drawings, deal?"

"I don't have to share everything all at once from the last two years, do I?" Will asked weakly.

Five shook his head.

"I like to believe our exchanges should be even. Plus if things get rough for either of us, the other just has to accept it's too soon to share, got it?"

Will nodded and Five took a deep sighed breath. Alright he thought.

"I came from the year 2002 and I will say that I was born on October 1, 1989."

"Wait seriously!? Holy hell you're not even born yet. Well given you jumped from 2002 and you're 13, the math does make sense your birth year is 1989 but….Wow."

Five chuckled but nodded.

"Yeah I know. Don't try to make things funny by saying you're older since I haven't been born yet…"

"Uh but I am older. I was born on March 22, 1971, meaning I'm 14." Will interrupted

Five looked up at Will a bit closely and he was a bit dumbfounded. Will looked so….youthful still but Will's voice was already in the midst of puberty with his voice being kind of deep. Shit, Will was older but only by a couple of months. Eh it wasn't a big deal and he kind of chuckled.

"You kind of need to stop dressing like you're 12 Will since honestly I thought you were younger than me. Wow you're 14? Fuck and yet I still look older."

Will chuckled at him and threw a pillow at him. Instead of it landing on Five, he teleported to the doorway, arms playfully crossed and he stuck his tongue at Will.

"Miss me William." Five teased.

"Yeah I know you are a big cheater. Now get back into your sleeping bag and give me back my pillow."

Five laughed and he went back to his spot with his powers and threw Will his pillow.

"So anyway…I was adopted by Reginald Hagreaves with six other siblings. Luther was Number 1 and has super strength. Diego is Number 2, which really pisses him off I might add, has the ability of trajectory manipulation, meaning he can control where objects go by throwing them. He has a preference for knives and butts heads with Luther a lot. My sister Alison is Number Three to our father and has the ability of vocal reality manipulation…"

"Wait, slow down Five, slow down so I can take it all in. So let's see Luther; super strength, Diego; can make knives go where he wants, Allison; can essentially control people with her voice?"

"She has to say 'I heard a rumor' but yeah pretty much. One time she made a robber shoot a partner of his in the foot because she said 'I heard a rumor'. It's kind of a scary power if I really have to admit it. Hence why I rarely wanted to piss her off since who knows what she could make me do."

Will shuddered at that since yeah it did sound scary. It could solve all his problems if he was able to tell off his bullies to leave him alone, but also if you can get anything that way, would you have truly earned it. That was also scary along with removing agency and free will in others. Will was a host for the Mind Flayer and he almost lost all agency in himself so his sister truly sounded scary. Five could sense Will was disturbed by Allison's powers and he sighed.

"My other siblings only get worse. Klaus, Number 4, can speak to the dead, maybe even hear them I don't know. He should be able to conjure them but he doesn't want to pursue his powers. And Ben, Number 6, he can summon tentacles from his chest and make them hurt others."

Wow a very diverse yet very powerful team. Five's powers clearly were the best even if the time travel got him stuck here. Wait he only went up to six and yet there should be seven of them.

"What about the last one, Number 7?" Will questioned.

Five raised an eyebrow but than realized he omitted Vanya.

"Ah Vanya…well she's ordinary. She has no powers to speak of. Really a shame since that means she's not allowed on missions or able to train with us."

Will was really confused and he looked down to Five.

"I find that hard to believe."

"It's true, Vanya was ordinary." Five defended.

"Yet you said your dad was an asshole who adopted you all for powers. You really think he would make that big an oversight and take a child that's worthless? I'm sorry but something doesn't make sense Five and you of all people maybe should have seen that." Will pressed.

Five did muse at that thought. Why did his father take Vanya? There were other children born on that day and yet he takes Vanya, an ordinary child with no abilities. Did she have powers that didn't manifest? He really didn't know and it was hard since Vanya was kept away from them for most of their days.

"I guess you might be right; if I get home I can maybe find out why. He hated children yet adopted all of us, including Vanya. I don't know about you, but I don't think my father would have made that crucial a mistake unless something made him take Vanya and something was wrong."

Will nodded and rested his head back on his pillow. No way Five was just going to go off to bed. He did promise to share some of his past with Five, but he wondered if Five would believe him. He barely believed it and yet he suffered in pain the last two years and experienced real terror. Will bit his lip hard and felt blood dripping in the back of his mouth. He took a deep breath and stroked his arm nervously to try and comfort himself.

"I was abducted by a very scary creature called a Demogorgon and he brought me to his home, an alternate dimension called the Upside Down. It's like a dark, cold, hellish version of the world we live in and I was down there for a week. The lab in Hawkins tried to cover up the incident by faking my death with a dead body, hence why in a self-portrait I put 'Zombie Boy'. I did nearly die due to the cold and being suffocated by vines but my mother and the police chief Hopper saved me. I've never been the same after that. That's not all that happened but what happened to me last year was much worse and I'm not ready to share that, sorry. I know it all sounds like I am making it up but I'm not."Five listened to Will's story with interest and earnestness. Clearly this had to happen as he could hear Will's fear in his voice. He rose up from the sleeping bag and looked at Will, who he could clearly see his body was shaking and on the verge of tears. He bit his lip and sat on the edge of Will's bed. Five softened his expression and motioned Will to sit up with him. Will did but he still averted Five's gaze, fearing he was going to lose Five as a friend and think he would call him a freak like most people in his middle school called him.

"Honestly if my family had to fight sea monsters and an army of mutants, heck even us having powers to begin with…I could believe there is another dimension with these monsters and that they took you. You're not crazy and I don't think it's bullshit."

Will sniffled a bit and looked at Five with a weak smile.

"Y-You believe me? I really can't share this with others hence why my friends and family mean so much since they know. It's hard making new friends after what I've been through."

"Outside my family…I didn't have any friends so I'm not going to dismiss you because your story would be weird to most. Plus if you hadn't noticed already by now, I'm far from normal." he expressed wholeheartedly.

This made Will chuckle and Five patted his shoulder. Will truly was lucky to have found Five in his lowest point and they could truly confide in the other with their unique tales…wait speaking of.

"Wait an army of mutants and sea monsters!? It was more than just bank robbers you fought. I got to hear this!"

Five grinned and shook his head.

"Ah and you will, but not now. Sharing time is over and we both need sleep; you for your friends and I for work. God I'm going to be in a sailor uniform. Fuck this is not where I thought I would be in my life, serving ice cream in the goddamn 80s."

"Hey, it could have been a worse time. Bubonic plague, famine, war, apocalypse…least this is a good decade. It is look upon as a good decade right?"

Five nodded and smiled,

"One of the best and most nostalgic. Now goodnight Will."

"Night Five."

As Five got himself settled in a sleeping bag, he thought about his siblings and wondered just what they were up to. Did they miss him, were they glad he was gone, or did they just go on with their daily lives with not much thought. They would probably swear he was nuts or a traitor by sharing family secrets and stories but screw them. Yes he was an ass and thought he was better than them, but not one of them tried to stop him like Reggie didn't stop him. He looked up to Will and he was sound asleep, snoring a bit lightly. Five chuckled to himself and allowed himself to sleep with a smile and very little sadness about being stuck in this decade at all.

If Five and Will seem out of character in this particular chapter...well their whole friendship is making them both different in terms of trust and acceptance. I see them having this friendship that is just so connective, strong, and deep that they would grow to rely on each other and be there for one another. Their relationship was supposed to just be this minor thing but I am glad I am exploring it and it is just making this story worth perusing even for myself. Still for those who have added this to their favorites, thanks. I do wonder how people think of this story so reviews are welcomed, both good and bad. More to come.