Things have settled down a bit since Five's starling nightmare. When they could, he and Will would share a bed together and just sleep together since they loved the closeness. Five loved the warmth and softness while Will loved holding on to Five in a tender, loving embrace. They couldn't do it often since Joyce was unaware of the current state of the relationship. Days turned to weeks as everyone in Hawkins was in the midst of November. Will was drawing in his room, waiting for Five to return home from the science club. Both boys didn't have work this particular evening as tonight was going to be special. Hop and El were coming over since Joyce wanted all of them to be a family even before she would wed Hopper. It didn't bother Will at all to get the night off and in fact, he was thankful he wasn't working as a stock boy. Perhaps tonight would be the night he thought.

After Five finished helping on some projects he came home in a flash. He went to Will's room and knocked on his door. Five glanced lovingly in Will's eyes since every time Will drew it was a masterpiece in the making.

" Hey, what are you drawing this time?"

Will smiled and showed Five a drawing of a vicious dragon with crimson scales, curved black horns, and topaz colored eyes. It could be a boss monster in a campaign or maybe perhaps something for a story but either way he wanted to get this idea out on paper.

"I'm trying to improve my skills a bit, trying to make the scales look like jeweled fire. There's more to be done." Will expressed.

Five smirked as he walked in and glanced at the paper on the table.

" It looks great but I guess it depends on the colors you want to use for the jewel effect. You'll find a way to achieve your vision. Dinner is going to be ready soon and Chief is coming with El in a few." Five reminded

Will leaned up to kiss Five's cheek and nodded. He felt a tender warmth in his belly and he truly wanted to open up to the family about him, about them he thought. Tenderly, he reached for Five's cheek and cupped it.

"How would you feel about…letting them know tonight…about us?" Will asked.

Five knew this day was going to come but even if he thinks everyone would accept them, there was the slightest chance of risk.

"Honestly I'd be lying if I said I wasn't even a bit nervous, but Joyce has been supportive so I am not too worried about her reaction. Chief and El might be a bit different since our love's not common." Five said.

Will sighed deeply but agreed with Five. He wasn't sure if Hop was going to be okay with them and if El was going to understand. A huge part worried they wouldn't be accepted and be viewed differently in a harsh light.

"I know, their reactions scare me too. I don't want to lose anyone just because I want at least some close people to know. Just hate not sharing the whole truth, you know but I am scared too." Will explained.

"Yea I know Joyce and Jonathan are my family too and soon Chief will be as well as El. I do not want to lie to them either." Five said

Will cracked a light smile at that. Family was always a touchy subject for Five and Will knew it but it showed growth that he saw his family as his own now. It was apparent Five was nervous too but they would be together on this.

"Right and our family will support us, at least that's what I hope. Now maybe we should help mom set the table. Anything we can do to help right?"

"Yea, you first I'm going to change a bit and wash up. I will meet you in a few." Five said with a smirk before going to his room. He changed into a nice long sleeve polo and pants. He washed up quickly then went to help set the table.

Will got himself changed as well in a nice yellow dress shirt and slacks. He came out of his room to help Five with setting the table. The doorbell rang and Will went to get the door. He opened it up and saw Hop and El with a cake. El smiled and gave Will a hug. He embraced her back and he was excited that they would be siblings soon.

"Mom, Hop and El are here!" Will called out.

"Hey Hop, hey El. Come in, get comfortable! I will be there in 5 minutes!" Joyce called.

Will helped to get the cake from Hop so they could have it later for dessert. El followed after Will and noticed Five setting the table. She'd notice that Five was smiling a lot more and that he had this…energy about him that just made him shine. It was nice they were close friends despite trying to date each other years prior.

"Hi." El said with a smile.

Five glanced up and smiled back at El. She always looked nice and her style, which was a tad quirky, was lovely and all her own.

"Hey El, how was your day?" Five asked.

El managed to laugh.

"We shared class, so you should know. It was good. Glad we can eat together." El told him.

"Me too. The classes aren't hard anymore are they?"

"I'm improving and it's less confusing. It's just…people still give looks you know, bout how I speak." El shared and helped Five out to finish.

" Yes well, don't worry about them, you will get better at speaking on your own terms, besides none of us ever had trouble understanding you."

El smiled and nodded in agreement. Soon Hop walked in to get settled at the table and he lingered a bit warm but stern at Five.

"Hello Aiden."

"Hey Chief."

Five was still oddly intimidated by Hopper even if they will be family. Maybe it was the police thing, or fact Five dated his adoptive daughter. He had to respect him and not mouth off like Mike often did. Unlike his own father, Hop was a good dad to El and he admired Hop for being there for her.

"You know you don't have to be intimidated right? You're a good kid and you show respect unlike some boys I know." Hop told him with a neutral expression.

" Is Mike still giving you attitude when he comes to pick up El?" Five asked with a chuckle.

"You'd think after four years he'd know how to present himself. But he's not going away so I guess I have to accept that. Least you're good friends with El and that you don't give me any lip." Hop acknowledged.

El sighed a bit and whispered to Five,

"Mike has trouble with curfews and gives Hop…an.. attitude I think?"

Makes so much sense Five thought. Mike at least was respectable to El and not doing anything rash. If he did, Five would beat the shit out of him, friend or not if he hurts El.

"Ah well, yes I can see why Chief will be pissed off, but Mike does love you." Five defended.

El nods adds,

"H-He does. Least he's able to say now. Still I don't want him and Hop angry you know."

Will came back in and return El's hug from before.

"Hey, I'm glad you were able to come." Will told her.

"Of course, I mean Mike understands I don't want to miss these dinners. He would come but Hop says it's family only."

" Yea it kind of is, plus it's an excuse for Hop to destress. I mean he does raise Hop's blood pressure at times." Five joked

El and Will did laugh at that since…yeah Mike could get on Hop's nerves even after all these years.

Will and Five helped to bring in food for Joyce while Joyce was able to change into a nice red sweater and jeans. She gave Hop and hug and a light kiss to greet him.

"I hope a nice roast is good for tonight?" she asked.
" I am sure it's great Joyce, your cooking usually is amazing, better than mine. Thanks." Hop smiled.

Everyone settled at the table and enjoyed the meal of a pot roast, mash potatoes, green beans, carrots, a light gravy, and biscuits. It started off standard, Hop asking Five and Will about school and work while Joyce asked El about Mike, much to Hop's slight annoyance. Will was trying to figure out how to just come out and share his news and glanced over to Five while Hop and Joyce discussed slight wedding plans.

"Everything okay?" El asked, noticing Will was a bit quiet.

"Y-Yeah El, no worries." Will lied.

El raised a light eyebrow and turned to Five. She did notice Five's hand was a bit close to Will's but didn't think it was odd.

" How is that club going boys?" Joyce asked, noticing they were a bit quiet.

"It's going fine mom. Mike's campaign is going to end soon, which is a bit of a surprise since he usually has longer campaigns." Will answered.

" Yea but it was kind of an easier campaign than most. Like it was by the numbers even which kind of sucks." Five said.

"Is it not normally short?" Hop asked.

"Not really. Well it could be but Mike's kind of been…hate to say it but phoning in being a DM the last two years. Sucks since it's our last year and maybe Hellfire's if no one will continue it after we graduate." Will sighed.

"Well honey, things change. You guys will have college soon and you won't have as much time to play this game." Joyce said

"Mike does say you are better at it now though." El mentions.

"I'm really not. Five's a bit better at being a DM, I'm just good with writing the stories and campaigns. I guess that's why we break the one DM rule sometimes since Five and I make a great team." Will spoke with a warm smile directed to Five.

Hop noticed something was different between Will and Five. They were always close, but lately they spent time together more frequently. He saw their hands lightly touching and they were stealing glances all night. Hop didn't want to address it and perhaps he was reading too much into their interactions. El smiled and looked at the two of them. She was intrigued just how Five DMs and what stories Will comes up with in the games.

"Maybe sometime, you both can try having Max and I play again? When Mike tried last year it was a little…rough?" El asked.

"Mike gets excited and forgets that some people are not as good at the game yet. Not to mention he's strict so he can be a pain in the ass as a DM. We can teach you if you want." Five offered

"They have the basics, her and Max since they have done two campaigns with varying success. But it would be nice for the party to have one final adventure together." Will added.

El nodded in agreement since that did sound fun.

As dinner continued, Will was starting to get cold feet about coming out tonight. He really wanted to, but Hop being here and not wanting to ruin dinner put pressure on Will. Carefully he grazed Five's fingertips and mouthed to him,

'I don't think I can do this.' Five reassured him with gently squeeze and decided to try and help him out

"Joyce, we have something we would like to talk to you about." Five said calmly

Hop looked at the two of them and wondered what was going on.

"You boys okay?" he asked.

"Y-Yes Hop but it's just that um…we do have something to talk about." Will said a bit nervously.
" What is it Will? Did something happen?" Joyce asked concerned

"No. Well I mean yes but it's not bad, it's not but um…I haven't been honest…Five and I haven't been honest." Will rambled.

" What do you mean? Will, did you two get in trouble? Is it those things again?"

Will shook his head and El nodded in agreement.

"No, they are gone. Been gone for years Joyce. This is new that worries them." El told her.

" Can't blame me for considering it. What's going on Will?" Joyce asked.

Will took a deep breath and felt Five gently squeeze his wrist for comfort.

"Well…I mean…Five and I are…we're…seeing each other."

Hop nearly dropped his fork while Joyce slowly was processing what was being said; the pair were lovers and not just friends anymore. El was confused at that statement.

"Of course, you're best friends. Of course you see each other and you live together. You are seeing each other." El expressed.

Hop coughed a bit to clear his throat and glanced at the pair. He didn't peg Five to like guys, let alone Will but it did explain why they hung out so much together.

" Not what Will means. He is saying we are dating each other." Five explained

El looked a bit confused since she understood dating was between a boy and a girl. Was it possible for two boys to date?

"Can that happen dad?" El questioned.

" Yea kid it can, it's just not very common especially in this town." Hop explained

Will slowly looked at his mother and her look was hard to read at first. Was she mad, in shock, furious, or was she actually okay with this.

"M-Mom, you haven't said anything…I'm being serious. Five and I fell in love." he shared, his spine lightly trembling in nervous apprehension.

Joyce processed Will words. She always had a feeling deep down, but she never said anything.

"Well how long have you two been seeing each other…That way?" Joyce asked

"Almost like a month. I've felt this way about him for a couple years but we've acted on our feelings just now." Will admitted.

El glanced over to Five and asked him,

"Did you like him when you dated me?"

Five shook his head.

" Not that way yet no. I kinda realized these feelings only recently. Like last year." Five explained calmly

"But you dated girls Five. I'm confused." El asked.

Hop tapped her shoulder.

"It's not easy for boys or men to realize they are…that way. Aiden probably wasn't aware of those feelings until Will and puberty. Kind of makes sense now how you always hang out together. It's just…it is something to take in." Hop spoke.

" Chief is right. I did date girls, I was hoping I would have a connection with them, but even with nice young women like you I did not feel that spark. I do feel it with Will. Are you angry El?"

El shook her head.

"No, I'm not mad. It's…sweet. You two look nice together."

Will smiled at that and looked to his mother. Her face surprised him as she was…smiling at him.

"Mom, are you okay with this?" he asked

" Yes of course I am Will. You're my son and I love you no matter what. Just…be very careful okay. I want both you boys to be safe. We've had enough fears with those monsters and I don't want anything bad to happen to you sweetheart."

"Safe? Why? It's not wrong is it? How can love be wrong and not safe?" El asked.

" I don't think Joyce means it that way. People in this town aren't always nice El, and they will be mean to people like Will who like other guys rather than girls." Hop told her.

"Yes, you know how people deface and vandalize my locker with those bad names El….those are bad names for liking guys. If people who aren't friends or family know…it will only get worse for me." Will explained.

El's face frowned at that.

"That's horrible."

"Yes, very horrible. But nothing bad will happen to me." Will reassured her.

"As long as you two keep it on downlow until you leave Hawkins for college, you should be safe. Even then be very careful of course." Hop said

"We will Hop but…everyone here is…not mad or upset." Five asked.

"It's none of my business who you like. Just as long you're safe and happy, that will matter more. Besides, there could be worse guys to like." Hop shared with a very light chuckle aimed at Five.

" Thanks for the vote of confidence Chief" Five sassed back

" I want you to be happy, Will. As long as you're happy that's enough for me." Joyce said and gently stroked Will's cheek

Will smiled and could feel a huge sigh of relief. He sniffled a bit and hugged his mom.

"Thanks. I didn't want to keep this from you, I was just worried about how you'd take the news." Will told her.

" I am your mom, you know I would support you. I know this wasn't easy for you anyway, but I'm glad you trust me enough." Joyce said

El looked at the two of them and wondered something.

"When will the others know…our friends?" she asked.

" Well we will tell them, we just gotta figure out how and when." Five answered

"Until then El, promise you won't tell them. It's going to be a lot for them and we want to be sure we ease them in." Will stressed.

"Isn't that lying?" El asked.

" No El it's not. It's keeping a secret for a little bit. We will tell them I promise. Friends don't lie, remember?" Five said with small smirk

"You all still hang on to that huh? Well that's kind of nice. I will give you a bit of a heads up. When you tell them, they might not all take it well or be open to it at first. It will be a shock." Hop told them.

Will frowned a bit and thought to Mike. His friendship with Five was still contentious at times and wondered how he would take it. But after the events of 83 with the Upside Down, this wouldn't be the end all be all to their friendship, it couldn't.

"I'm sure they will be okay dad. I mean, we're all friends. News might be…a shock, but they will be there and come around to support them." El shared.

"I hope so." Will said.

"Chief is right El, even though they are our friends, that way we will tell them has to be both upfront but also as nice as possible." Five confirmed

"Good since…they should know about the two of you. Is that why you both have been busy lately? Mike has been going on about how it seems all your free time has been…together." El asked.

Will blushed a bit but nodded.

"Y-Yeah…we've been having dates. Private picnics, movies, hanging at our fort out back. We kind of have to be out of sight to be safe."

" So these movie nights recently and sleepovers were you two being on a date. Have you two.." Joyce asked but stopped herself.

Will turned deep red, as did Five, and both boys shook their heads.

"No mom we haven't!"

Five nodded and added,

"We haven't and don't plan to rush into that, especially under your roof."

"Oh thank god." Hop exclaimed in relief.

That made the two boys more embarrassed.

" I mean not that it would be wrong but um…if and when just be safe…okay but I know that won't be for a while. And again be careful." Hop stressed.
"Yes we will, Promise." Five said.

He was also embarrassed. Sure he and Will were snuggling, kissing, cuddling and sharing a bed, but they haven't gone that far in the relationship since it was still new to both of them. Still, at least more people they cared about knew and accepted them, something they both truly wanted.

When dinner was finished, Five helped Joyce to gather the dishes up and he offered to help Joyce dry the dishes after she washes them.

"You don't have to help Aiden, I got this handled." she told him.

" I know but I want to help. You did a lot today by yourself." Five said

Joyce smiled and glanced over to Five with a comforting smile.

"How are you feeling about all this Aiden?" she asked.

Five smiled warmly back at Joyce since she was being a dutiful mother even to someone that wasn't her own child. He admired Joyce and was thankful she cared so much for him.

" To be honest it's still new to me. I mean I do love Will but I also wonder if I am enough for him, you know. I am probably not who you thought Will would end up with." Five expressed

"To be honest, you're right but only because you appeared out of nowhere and from another time. That's the only reason to be fair." Joyce expressed warmly.

" True, all because I got pissed at my old man for refusing to teach me time travel so that I wouldn't get stuck in time in the first place." Five chuckled

Joyce sighed a bit and glanced over to Five with a concerned gaze in her eyes.

"You sure you are going to remain here, as in going through this time. I can't bear for Will to be heartbroken and you've heard what we've all been through. You've become like a third son to me Aiden and I want both you boys to be happy together if that is how you feel for each other. You really love him?" Joyce asks.

" I do, I wouldn't waste his time if I didn't. He is a great guy. I want us to be happy and see where life takes us"

Joyce smiles at that as they continue to do the dishes. She appreciates Five for being the light for her son and for always staying by his side. Five in essence was a miracle to their little family and a wonderful addition to it too.

"I support you both and I'm really glad you're there for Will. I'm glad you're with Will and that I'm seeing him smile again. I don't thank you enough but…thank you for being a great friend to him. I guess now thanks for loving him."

" I'm glad I ended up here. I am really grateful to Will and you as well for giving me something I always wanted and needed." Five said

Joyce smiled and finished washing the remaining dishes. She washes Five dry the last bit and thought about the stories of Five's childhood. A distant father and a robot mother, how Five managed that type of life did make Joyce wonder.

"We're all happy that we were able to give you a place to call home here and the memories too." Joyce tells him.

" Your an amazing mom Mrs. Byers, thank you for all you done and doing for me."

"Oh Aiden…you've been part of this household for four years. I think you could stop calling me that. If you'd like…you could always call me mom. I know you had one but…it's hard to imagine a robot being the same as a human mother."

Joyce slowly holds her arms up to see if Five will go in for a hug. Five smiled and hugged Joyce lightly. She felt warm and he rather enjoyed it. It was the first time he felt like he had a mother even though she didn't raise him as long. Mom he thought…yeah it will work he thought. Grace was nice but she was just a creation his father built. Joyce was real, her love wasn't programmed but innate, pure, and real.

Will went in to check in on Five and his mom and saw their hug.

"Did I miss anything?" he asked.

"Just telling Aiden that he is family and he could stop calling me Mrs. Byers. Have been telling him that for a while and of course…how happy I am for the two of you." Joyce spoke warmly.

" Sorry, force of habit. Mom gave us approval." Five said with a smile.

Mom Will thought, Five was calling her mom now…a huge step since Five was fully letting himself be a part of the his household now, which was a hope he had since his first year living with them.

"That's good…really really good. It's great even." Will spoke softly.

"Yea, but mom is right, we have to be careful in public. I wonder how our friends will take it." Five mused.

"Ideally they will be fine with it, but I can also see Mike and Lucas being…not harsh but like in denial. But Max might be cool with it and Dustin I think won't be bothered." Will told him.

Joyce pulled away and patted Five's back.

"If they went through all that Upside Down nightmare for you Will, I don't think this news will be a friendship ender. Just prepare your thoughts and share when you're ready. No rush." Joyce encouraged.

"Yea, I mean I know this will be a shock but considering they all went through upside down with you, this is not the worst thing to happen. For me it's honestly the best" Five said and kissed Will's cheek.

"Oh this is just too cute! And don't worry if you want to sleep in the same room, it's all good." Joyce almost squealed.

This caused both boys to blush and Will laughed a bit at that.

"I think she's very happy." Will whispered softly.

" I can tell as much." Five said softly

"So…you calling her mom now too…how's that feel?" he asked.

"Weird, but in a good way. Given that the other mother figure is a robot and only programmed to love us, this is new in some ways." Five admitted

Will pecked his lips and smiled.

"You deserve all kinds of love."

El walked in and noticed the pair. She smiled at the two boys who will be her brothers and gave them both hugs.

"Let's have cake and maybe play a game in your room. Dad and Joyce might want the time alone." El suggested.

"Sounds great. What game?" Five said with a smile

"Something you won't cheat at." El teased.

"Hm well then we're kind of screwed then since Five can find a way to cheat any game I have." Will jokes.

Five resented that statement and rolled his eyes at them.

"Hey, I dont cheat." Five defended

"Oh, then your pieces in monopoly just sprout legs and money is stolen?" Will asked.

"Or you 'misrolling' often?" El added.

"Hey I play fair, I'm just lucky. Besides you can't really prove I cheated". Five sassed

"Mhm, sure we can't. Trouble it is since that's pretty much cheat proof." Will sassed back, snaking his arm in Five's. Five chuckled. He squeezed Will's hand. They went to Will's room and played a round of Trouble before Hop came to tell El they were going home. Five was relieved that things went well. Almost all their important people knew and Five truly felt accepted by Joyce. He had found a new family and hoped that will extend to his friends once his and Will's love was out to them.