The seasons were changing in a blink of an eye as fall turned to winter and than later to spring. On this particular Saturday; Lucas drove Max, El, and Dustin over to Mike's to do a campaign. He didn't bother to pick up Will and Five because Five could always teleport them with his powers. He looked at Max with a light smile while Dustin and El chilled in the back. They were all almost adults if some weren't already and these days would become part of their memories.

"You know we could have stopped by Will's to pick them up Lucas. We could squeeze them in." Max said in annoyance.

They weren't bringing the people who are supposed to DM in this D&D campaign, which was stupid in her eyes. Based on how Dustin goes on and on about Will and Five being amazing was the only reason Max was giving this a shot again after Mike's previous attempts.

"Relax, they will join us either way Max." Lucas said as he drove

They got to Mike's rather quickly and rang the bell to alert Mike. He opened the door for them and smiled when he saw El.

"Hey." he nonchalantly said with a light smile.

"Hey Mike." El said and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.

All followed Mike down to the basement. El then sat down next to Max on the couch while Dustin was munching on chips.

"Wait…why isn't anything set up?" Lucas questioned, noticing the blank table.

Mike looked and noticed Will and Five weren't here.

"It's not my campaign, remember? It's Will and Five's and they haven't come yet." Mike explained.

Minutes passed and sure enough, Will and Five didn't just appear. This has been frequent the last few months, them oddly being late and it was starting to annoy Lucas and Mike. Lucas checked his watch and shook his head.

"They are still not here. What's up with them? They have been late a lot recently." Lucas asked annoyed

"Relax Lucas, they will 'join us' as you said before. I mean they wouldn't bail on us." Max told him.

"Max is right, considering they wanted to teach Max and El a bit more, knowing Five he wouldn't break a promise especially with El." Dustin said

Mike rolled his eyes at that since of course he wouldn't for El. He still harbored harsh feelings towards Five and they might have gotten worse with Five looking 'handsome' as girls often point out. He was a ladies man and even El and Max liked him a lot, which made Mike's blood simmer.

"Yeah but something isn't right with them. Will used to be more…open but he's been a bit off lately. Like he has other things to do." Mike expressed.

" Maybe he is stressed, I mean high school is almost over and college and moving is a change. I mean he's talking about major art schools and stuff so he has a right to be worried, not all there." Dustin said.

"Yeah but he could tell us anything. I feel like he's always with Five and that's really weird. It's strange they are so close you know and always hang out. Don't they need breaks?" Mike comments.

El kept quiet since she knew maybe why but it wasn't her place to say. Will and her talk about dates and everything and Will has been giving her some romance advice too which was sweet. Lucas' gears were turning and an idea just popped.

"Maybe they both have been dating some really hot girls and just didn't want to tell us. I mean we might not accept them. Maybe they could be like blonde bombshell twins and we would be embarrassing." Lucas suggested.

Max threw a pillow at Lucas because he was truly being stupid. After all, blondes for sure weren't Five's types and Max knew this.

"Will and Five wouldn't do that without telling us. I mean they would tell us if they had girlfriends. They support the relationships we have so they would be open with us when the time is ready." El said softly

"You watch, Five is just being ass and took Will god knows where and left us. I swear just because he can go anywhere, doesn't mean he has to rub it in. I mean El doesn't show off her powers and she's humble about them too." Mike ranted.

" Mike, relax, let's just wait a bit. Besides, Five knows about not showing off his powers; he is not an idiot." Dustin defended

"Yeah and plus, he doesn't do it as much. He has to tell Joyce if they go out of state and he often tells me and El if they do. You didn't hear that they changed their minds, did you El?" Max asked.

"No, they didn't tell me they changed their minds. Let's wait a bit Mike." El said with a soft smile.

Mike sighed but nodded and they would give them some time. As they waited, Mike was getting a bit mad and sighed angrily.

"Okay screw it, we can do one of the older campaigns I made but never played."

"Uh no, last time you were the dungeon master you were super strict and it was annoying. Even though the stories were good, you are too rigid and that pissed me off. I want Will and Five to be the dungeon masters." Max protested.

They waited a bit more and even Lucas was getting concerned.

"This is a bit weird, they are not normally this late even for late. What in the world could they be doing?" Lucas questioned.

"Why don't we go visit them and see what's up. I just think they are finishing the campaign for us.'" Dustin suggested

"Beats sitting around waiting for them." Mike agreed.

They all got into Lucas' car and made the drive to the Byers. Lucas looked to El and asked,

"When you last saw them El, how were they?" Lucas asked. El fidgets a bit.

" They were fine their, normal selves and said wouldn't miss the campaign." El answered.

"You know it's interesting, those two spend a lot of time together." Lucas commented.

"Yeah don't remind me." Mike said bitterly.

"Mike they live together and Will is also Five's best friend. They enjoy the company together." El said.

"I know it's just…Will talks about the two of them going off to college together and I'm just…how can they not be sick of seeing each other all the time? I mean we're all good friends but even we don't see each other every waking moment." Mike chatted.

"It's true…I mean even Lucas and I need space from each other since we can get on the other's nerves sometimes despite liking each other." Max added.

"Well, there's only so much space they can get since they live together, plus they are going out of state, Mike. They are going to lean on each other. You're going to a community college with El and we're not questioning that." Dustin stated.

Mike sighed and glanced tenderly at El. He would do and go anywhere for her and felt his heart fluttering skip. He returned his focus to Dustin and nodded.

"I know; you, Lucas, and Max are going away too and El's staying here. It's just…I wonder if there's truth to that this time we're in changed because Five entered our lives." Mike wondered.

" Yea things would have changed with or without him Mike." Dustin explained.

"I'm sure they are fine and they were doing something and lost track of time. Stop worrying Mike; Will is doing fine." Max told him.

They got up to the Byers' home and they rang the bell. They were greeted by Joyce and she looked confused.

"What are you all doing here?" she asked.

" Will and Five did not come to Mike's, we were supposed to have a campaign today." El said.

"Ah right Will did mention that. They are probably in the clubhouse finishing what they need for your game." Joyce informed them.

" Can we go get them please?" Dustin asked

"I don't see why not. Have fun." Joyce says with a smile.

They all went out back and they first came across the old Castle Byers. Mike smiled a bit weakly as they looked at the barely standing tree fort. He recalled the fun times they had there when they were younger, when they were kids essentially.

"I can't believe this one is still up." Mike stated in amazement.

" Same, I figured since the new one was up they would destroy this thing. Now come on let's get going" Dustin said.

They all made it a little further in the woods to the new Castle Byers which looked like a nicer shed looking fort. As they got closer, they could hear music inside and Mike cringed a bit.

"Anyone think their taste in music has gotten weirder?" he asked.

Max scoffed at that and commented,

"Head over Heels is not weird Mike. Yeah it's more of a Steve track but it's decent. It is odd that both of them are listening to that song though." Dustin added.

" I like it, it's a nice song." El said with smile

Lucas knocked on the door but they got no answer. Were they both really doing this while they were late. They were being assholes.

"Okay what's the password again, Randigast or something?" Lucas asked.

" No. It's from that movie Back to the Future...the thing to help with travel. Flux something." El commented.

"Flux capacitor. Always a cool password." Dustin commented.

"This is ridiculous." Mike protested and was about to open the door, only to have Dustin stop him.

"Chill man, we will give the password and they will answer." Lucas told him.

"Yet doesn't Will usually greet us with a declaration or something?" Max asked.

"Not a priority right now Max." Dustin knocked loudly on the door but again no response.

"Apparently they would still want the password." Max lightly joked.

" Guys you in there!?" Lucas shouted.

Mike rolled his eyes and said,

"Okay the password is Flux Capacitor, now let us in. You're late!" Mike exclaimed.

Neither were coming to the door to let them in.

" Ok, this is bullshit. Let's just walk in." Dustin said and opened the door.

When everyone finally opened the door, most everyone's mouth dropped in shock. Five and Will were in fact there, but they were not working on a campaign. They were both cozy on a sofa with blankets, kissing each other tenderly. Will was slowly removing buttons off Five's shirt to show and feel his chest and Five was stroking Will's hair.

"So good." Five hummed as he moved on to kiss Will's neck.

"V-Very good." Will moaned.

Their eyes widened. No way they thought!? Five and Will!? Together?!

"What the hell!?" Lucas exclaimed, clear shock on his face

Mike was feeling a whole mix of emotions watching his best friend kissing Five and clearly in a mood. His stomach turned and was in utter shock.

"Um hello?! What hell guys! Hey!" Mike shouted.

Will heard that and pulled away, blushing to see all of them were at the door. He motioned Five to stop. He glanced up and he was a bit embarrassed their friends caught them like this.

"H-Hi…um…w-we can explain." Will nervously stammered.

"Uh yea, what the hell is this and how long has it been going on for?! This can't be new!" Lucas exclaimed.

Max glanced a bit at Will and Five and things were starting to make a lot more sense now. Her eyes did linger a bit at Five's chest and she managed to light heartily ask him,

"Now I know why you wanted to be in shape, okay more in shape." Max complimented.

Five chuckled at that since…yeah he didn't want to be soft or weak for his boyfriend now.

" Max, worst time to gawk isn't it." Five sassed.

El turned away, a bit embarrassed to see Five's bare chest. He did have toned abs and…wow Will was lucky she thought deep down.

"Okay, talk. How long has this been going on!?" Mike asked, motioning to Five and Will being all couple like.

Will glanced over to Five since he knew the news wasn't going to be good. They just never had a good time to tell everyone sooner. Five took the hint and pecked Will's lips, nodding.

" About four months." Five said and fixed his shirt.

Lucas nearly choked,

" Four months of this?! What the hell?"

"Lucas if you keep freaking out we won't get to hear anything so shut up for a bit." Dustin said.

Will blushed but thanked Dustin as both he and Five looked to their friends.

"W-We were going to tell you, but we wanted to make it a bit more…special I guess. I've liked Five for a long time and we both took the chance and…we've been dating ever since." Will started to share.

" So this is like a thing. You two are serious. Can guys even be in that type of relationship with each other?" Lucas asked, darting his eyes between the two.

"Uh yeah they can Lucas, clearly but it's not as common or as accepted. Hence why they were hiding this. However things make a ton more sense now and I really should have guessed you two were together. You always had these puppy eyes and it was a bit sickeningly cute." Max expressed warmly and full of support.

" You guys were late so we came to get you." El said not even remotely surprised.

It was Five's turn to have his eyes widened and he glanced at his watch.

" Oh shit I did forget the time and we are late." Five said cringing.

Will nodded and rubbed his nose with his own musing,

"You wanted 'Will the Wise' and 'Aidan the Adventurous' to have a little fun before we led an adventure. Hard to resist you."

Five chuckled and nodded at that. Mike was grimacing at the sight of Will being remotely flirty. He looked at El and she didn't look confused at all. This wasn't normal and yet she had no questions to ask?

"Wait, why are you so calm about this? Five and Will were swapping spit with each other? This isn't normal El, like at all." Mike asked in slight horror.

" Mike it's not a big deal, they love each other. Like you and I." El explained.

"Yeah and it's very sweet too. Both are very lucky." Max added.

" You two are acting like it's normal. El, did you know about this?" Lucas asked.

She looked to the two boys and they gave her an approvingly nod, with Five mouthing 'thanks'.

" Yes I did." El said calmly.

"WHAT!?" Mike exclaimed angrily.

"We swore her not to tell anyone until we would tell you all. We didn't know how you would take this news." Will said nervously.

Max shook her head in amusement but was still smiling at the two of them. Five was tender and soft, something they rarely saw. Five was twirling circles on the back of Will's hand with his thumb calmly if nervously.

"Well I think it's nice you two are together. Makes a lot of sense and it's good to see Five happy as well." Max expressed.

"Seriously, whatever happened to friends don't lie?" Lucas said annoyed.

"I'm not upset but I do have to agree, why haven't you told us about Five and Will?" Dustin asked.

El had her head down and she glanced over to Will. He sighed and nodded.

"We went over this. We told her not to. We were going to mention it in the campaign or afterwards since we wanted to explain why we've been…you know, closer than we'd ever been the last couple of months." Will shared, looking to Five to continue explaining.

"Since Hawkins is not so kind, we kind of had to sneak around and hide our romance, that sadly meant keeping it hidden for you until we've been together a while. We were going to tell you, truthfully we were." Five added.

" So this is like a sure thing, you're not experimenting?" Dustin asked curiously but he was calm about it

" Yes Dustin this is a sure thing. I wouldn't waste my time or Will's if it wasn't."

"But you've dated girls Five? This doesn't make sense." Lucas asked.

"Seriously, you're all going to judge them and question why they are dating. They like each other and I know Five. He's a very sweet guy, an asshole and sassy at times but he's always been good to Will. Looking at how they are and seeing how they are together, we shouldn't be so bothered by this." Max expressed a bit firmly for Will and Five.

"Hey we are surprised and we are trying to grasp it. We aren't judging. It's just a shock." Lucas defended.

"You saw what people do to me and my locker. If I was out with Five like a couple…it would be so much worse. We do trust you all and we wanted to share but I was a bit scared of losing all of you too." Will explained.

Things were quiet as they processed the relationship in front of them. Dustin looked at the pair and he thought it could have been odder. It was understandable and he approved of his two friends being together.

" I mean I got no problem with you two dating, but yea you guys shouldn't advertise it." Dustin said

"But um…so how is everyone…with Five and I?" Will asked hopefully.

"Look man, I still have lots of questions but…you could have liked worse guys. Five's probably the best guy you could have fallen for. He's cool and we're still friends. I hope I don't walk in on what I just saw ever again." Lucas shared.

" Sorry about that, we kind of got carried away." Five explained bit sheepishly.

"Oh we saw. Will was taking off your shirt. Honestly thought it would be the reverse…no offense Will." Max commented.

Will just blushed a deep red but was relieved Max was taking it very well.

" I am okay with it... With you guys, just like Dustin said. Don't show it in public since this shit will get you in trouble despite it not being wrong." Lucas said awkwardly a bit.

"Of course we won't. That's why Five and I needed to be creative with dates and needed to ask mom if we could be out of state with some of them." Will shared.

"Wait, so you have been out of state again?" Mike questioned with a stern look at Five.

"Yes Mike we have. Joyce gave us permission so it's not like we are going behind her back. And I am hidden when using my powers." Five stated.

Dustin looked at the pair and his gears started to turn. Five when they first met were dead set on going home but…his eyes widened.

"Holy shit, is that why you wanted to remain on this timeline all this time? You had feelings for Will? Shit that is so sci-fyi romantic! Awesome!" Dustin asked with a somewhat happy expression.

Five chuckled since Dustin was a dork but a meaningful and supportive one.

"Yea, I gave up on that formula. Besides, even if Will and I weren't dating, I wouldn't be going back to much anyway. My dad's an asshole and I don't care for being a superhero all that much." Five explained

"Shame you're not being a superhero, but this is wild. Everyone in the party has someone now. I was worried a bit for you and Will and that it seemed you two were left out. Turns out, you paired off without us knowing." Dustin shared with a toothy smile.

"I know it seemed we were alone, but we're together out of love not loneliness. It was hard at first knowing I was different, but Five and I are both different and can be together." Will spoke sweetly and lightly kissed Five's cheek.

" You're going out of state so you can be more open about your love aren't you?" El asked.

"Yes, we are going away for college so we don't have to hide our relationship. We are still going to visit everyone who is remaining in Hawkins but we can't live here. It's something Five and I talked about with mom. She understands so…"

Mike crossed his arms and felt his heart in his throat.

"So you're leaving here so you can openly swap spit with Five? I really hope you're not just with him because he's good looking and knows what to say all the time. If so, you could do better." Mike asked a bit harshly.

"Wow Mike, tell us how you really feel. Believe it or not I actually love Will and we aren't going to just swap spit. Opportunities for education are better out of Hawkins plus Will is going for art and literature. Don't be an asshole to one of your best friends now. He loves me and Will hopes you calm down and see he's happy." Five said a bit defensively. He had a feeling Mike wouldn't take it well and it was stemming from their rivalry once again.

"Mike…tell me this isn't going to be a problem." Will asked, a bit nervously.

"I'm not mad you're gay it's just…this is just a lot okay. You and Five being together is just a lot. It's a huge change and I can't see Five being with you forever." Mike explained, glaring at Five. Five didn't say anything since he didn't want to agitate Mike or upset Will.

" Mike why do you dislike Five still I thought you were friends?" El asked

"We are but…I need some air." Mike said and left the fort in a bit of a huff.

" I will go speak to him." El said and went after Mike. She found him outside near the old castle. Pacing angrily.

" Mike, are you that upset that they are happy? That is not like you." El asked.

Mike sighed angrily.

"It doesn't make sense. Why does Five like Will? He's just going to break his heart no matter how much he says he doesn't want to waste time. Will can't handle any more pain." Mike told her.

El took his hand so he would stop moving.

"Will is not a boy anymore. Five is a nice guy. He won't hurt Will. If he was going to break his heart he wouldn't wait that long. Dustin is happy for them and so is Max. Will loves Five too. Five is good, hasn't he shown that. "El assured him.

Mike sighed a bit and questioned,

"Why didn't you tell me? You knew for months. Doesn't it bother you that Five's dating Will?"

"They asked me to not tell you. Will and Five said they would tell you. They would have told you if you didn't walk in first. Dad said people in town not nice to people like Will, I didn't want to break promise to them." El said

Mike sighed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Things are really changing. We're all not kids anymore but I honestly thought Will and Five would have girlfriends and not just be with each other. Nothing against it but…I just don't want Will to be hurt. Five's not like other guys, not completely like us." Mike explained.

" Five wont hurt Will. He really loves him. Will is your best friend. He wants you to be in his life too, that includes being supportive of his boyfriend."

Mike thought about it for a moment and asked her,

"How are they…together? You've seen them be like…well you know. I mean how do they treat each other?"

"They are good. They support and help each other. They also can be goofy and sarcastic like Max and I are when we hang out. Will feels more confident about himself now and Five is very sweet."

Mike sighed but it was something that wasn't going to change soon.

"I just hope Five will be here for Will. But now I at least know why they were acting weird, they were just…together. It's been awhile since I've seen Will so happy."

"Dustin said you should be happy for them. Five stayed for Will, that tells enough about how he feels." El clarified.

Mike nodded and hugged her.

"Yeah it sure does since…Hawkins is probably a shit hole for Five and yet he's stayed. Can't be that bad I guess if he stayed in a time that wasn't his and left his old life and everything for him."

" Five can be a smart ass when he talks but he cares a lot not just about Will. We are all his friends too and he hopes you will support him with Will too despite how you two can be."

Mike nodded and put an arm around El. They went back to the new Castle Byers and Mike looked to Five and Will, who were gathering up their notes for the campaign. He saw how intense their gazes were to each other and he knew that he was a dumbass.

"Hey."

"Hey Mike." Five said offering a smirk, not a mean one but a friendly one

Mike took a deep breath and looked at the pair.

"I might have overreacted and been maybe a little harsh." Mike started.

"I saw it coming, and I got it. Will was your best friend first. I do love him, Mike. I may be an asshole but I not heartless. I can't break his heart, I love him too much."

Will looked a bit weakly at Mike and he nodded.

"I honestly love him so much…he's understanding, kind, and makes me feel special. It's how you like El and I would be lost without him like you'd be lost without her." Will shared.

Mike nodded and he looked at the two of them. They oddly seemed to go well together, Will was gaining confidence and Five was softening up. A perfect exchange and a perfect pair Mike was starting to see.

"Promise me you'll have each other's backs and continue to like each other." Mike asked.

" I can't make promises into the future. I do promise that as long as Will wants me in his life I will always have his back and as long as we love each other, we will be together. "Five answered warmly.

Mike nodded but asked,

"What made you realize you liked Will?"

" How much he cared, to be honest sometimes I saw he cared more than you about some things. I admire that passion and care. Will has a big heart but he is also strong and creative. He makes me feel…like I can be loved and that it's okay to be weak and feel tender emotions. I wouldn't be the guy I am without him. "Five admitted.

"Yeah he is all those things and he is a great guy…I'm happy he found someone special and you are special even if I don't want to admit it." Mike shared.

" You and I are like rivals Mike, but I do know you care about Will or you wouldn't be this annoyed."

Mike nodded and looked at Will. He didn't even have to ask Will as his eyes when he looked at Five said it all.

"You're going to be okay about this right?" Will asked.

"I'm okay with it. Besides, I can't deny what we just saw." Mike expressed.

" Yeah clearly and wow…intense weren't we?" Dustin asked.

"I don't even want to know where Five's hands were going to go or if we walked in on you two being naked….that would burn my eyes." Lucas spoke with an awkward expression.

Will blushed and glanced over at everyone.

"Well clearly we're not going to act like that all the time…I got curious a bit." Will said meekly.

" You were clearly all over each other." Lucas sassed.

Max slapped the back of Lucas' head.

"Rude aren't we? You might need to take pointers since their touches looked passionate and sweet, not fast and impulsive." Max joked.

"Hey I can be passionate but I didn't ditch the game to make out." Lucas sassed

"We're sorry. We finished writing the one we will be doing together and we kind of got sidetracked with a small thing and then this just happened." Will explained.

"Side thing, like a campaign for Hellfire?" Mike asked.

"No it was a private story, for Will and I." Five smirked.

"Meaning?" Mike asked with a confused look.

" Something adult theme I don't think you want details Mike. Who knows what 'Will the Wise' and 'Aidan the Adventurous' have been doing as rituals before Hellfire." Dustin explained with a grimace.

"We will meet you all in a few minutes. We'll pack the materials in Lucas' car and we'll blip on over in a few." Will said with a light smile.

They packed all the materials they needed and waited for Lucas and the others to drive off. Will looked to Five and was still sheepishly smiling about what had happened.

"Not exactly how I wanted them to find out." he managed to say once they got inside the Byers house.

"Yea but they would have known eventually, we was going to tell them" Five said

Will smiled softly and pecked his lips.

"True and once shock wore off…they seemed happy for us."

"Well they are our friends, it be very concerning if they didn't." Five admitted.

Will nodded and wrapped his arms around Five's neck.

"I know…now nothing's unsaid and we don't have to feel like we're hiding anything. Though I'm sorry the others had to see you half naked." Will blushed.

"Well I am not bad looking so if anything they got jealous." Five said with a smirk.

"Hm... I bet they did to some degree." Will mused and kissed him gently.

They shared a sweet kiss until they heard the phone going off. That was probably Mike or someone to get over to the house. Will pulled away a bit breathlessly and chuckled.

"Time to go."

"Yep we don't want to get walked in on again. We should really add a lock to the clubhouse." Five mused. They packed everything and headed over to Mike's house to enjoy the game. Both Will and Five were relieved that their friends took their news well. No matter what happened now, Five had everything he always wanted, including Will. Time did change him and it truly made a wonderful difference.