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Will is currently at Lovers Lake and he's third wheeling on his own birthday. He feels invisible. Maybe Zombie Boy is an accurate nickname after all. He calls out, trying to get Mike & Jane's attention but Jane is really focused on her crocheting and Michael waves him away in an annoyed manner.
So that's how it's going to be. Will scoffs to himself and packs all his stuff expect his walkie talkie. He does leave a note for Jane and Jane only. He puts the note near Jane's stuff before blinking back tears and grabbing his bike.
He pedals around for a bit. Lovers lake is more massive than it looks. He sees a spot that seems to be most empty. He sits on a stump and pulls out his sketchbook. He's in the middle of drawing the area around him when he notices a familiar bag.
It's the same bag that Jennifer Hayes carries around and the one he's seen in pictures that Jenny has sent him with her letters. During the summer of 85 in Hawkins, Will & Jenny stayed in touch. That didn't change when Will moved to California.
Another person outside of the party that Will stayed in touch with is Nova Walker. She's the girl Will danced with at the snowball at Hawkins Middle. Nova is the first to spot Will and ruffles his hair in the same way she's done multiple times.
Jenny narrows her eyes slightly because she can tell the smile Will just showed is forced. She huffs lightly. "It's your birthday! What's with the doom and gloom?"
Will mutters under his breath about how at least Jen remembered. Nova hears his words and raises an eyebrow. "Is that why you're not with Mike? Did he forget your birthday?"
Jenny makes an offended noise on Will's behalf. Nova shakes her head in disappointment that's directed toward Michael. Chance Ballerini, who has been quiet speaks up. "Well fuck him. No asshole who forgets anything about someone as pretty as you is worst your time."
Nova pretends to throw a rock at Chance's head because it's an awkward time to be flirting. Jenny smiles lightly because she thinks the opposite. She believes that the flirting will cheer Will up just a little. She was the first person Will came out to.
Will tilts his head and gives a Chance a blank look. "Are you messing with me?"
Chance is about to answer when Will gasps. "You're Lucas's basketball friend who I talked to on the phone when I was in Lenora. Chance, right? Lucas did say you're the only jock who understands art and not just on a surface level. It's nice to put a face to that voice."
He then mutters the part about Chance being an attractive face and makes sure that this time, Nova doesn't overhear. Chance grins. "So you recognize my voice? Does that mean I'm always on your mind?"
Will picks up a colored pencil from his bag and throws it at Chance. He then calls the jock delusional before going back to his drawing. He doesn't know how much time passes but, out of the corner of his eye, he notices a stump being moved over next to him.
He stops drawing and notices Jane with red eyes like she's been crying. He frowns in concern. Jane leans her head on Will's shoulder and her voice is filled with sadness but also anger. "I want to forget about Michael. He couldn't even say that he loves me."
Will internally lets out a breath of relief because he doesn't feel any bitter jealousy. Maybe a year ago he would be over the moon and see it as a sign that maybe he has a chance but now that's not really the case. He knows that Michael will always be his first love but the feelings have faded.
He glances at Chance again and thinks about all the times the jock made flirty remarks over the phone. Maybe just maybe... His thoughts are cut off when he hears Max call out for Jane followed by Lucas calling out.
Jane sits up and squeezes Will's hand before announcing that she'll go find the others. She mutters loud enough for Will to hear that she really hopes Michael isn't with the others. Will makes a noise of agreement and gets an idea of what to draw next. Him & Jane with confetti surrounding them.
Shortly after Jane comes back with Max, Lucas, & Dustin, there is a cake and candles. Will nominates Jenny to lead the singing because of her beautiful voice. After that, Nova pulls out weed with a mischievous smile. Max whoops. "I like her."
Everyone is currently high, some more than others. Will keeps attempting to paint a design on Chance's leg but he keeps giggling uncontrollably. Chance is giggling because of how the paintbrush tickles but also because he enjoys being in Will's company.
Soon everyone scatters and goes in different directions. Dustin, Will, & Chance are the only ones left at the place everyone once was. The weed made Dustin sleepy so he's softly snoring. Chance has stolen one of Nova's joints. He brings his voice to a gentle whisper. "We should do a shotgun kiss. Maybe more than one."
Jonathan has told Will what a shotgun kiss is but Will has never seen it done. The air feels charged in a good way. He also brings his voice to a whisper. "Could you teach me?"
And Chance is gently grabbing Will's chin. He brings the joint to his own lips and transfers the smoke into Will's mouth. Their lips barely touch but Will's own lips still tingle afterward and he feels soft and warm all over.
The two shotgun kiss until the joint is out. Will giggles. "I still didn't get to finish the paint design on your thigh."
Chance giggles as well and says it's probably smudged by now. Will giggles a little more but then notices Dustin asleep. He leans into Chance and starts playing with the jock's hands like they're the most interesting thing in the world.
Will gets an idea and lightly shoves at Chance before shouting out. "Race ya!"
Chance's jaw drops because Will has given himself a head start. He scoffs playfully and calls out that it's so on. He smiles widely hearing Will's giggles. They're full of light and Chance genuinely feels free for once.
Will stops at what looks like some kind of rope attached to a tree. He looks at the lake then back at the rope. He could use the rope to basically jump in the water. He's going to do it. He doesn't take his shirt off because he's self conscious about his body.
Chance catches up right after Will lands in the water. He follows without a second thought but calls out for Will to watch out. Will comes up and shakes his hair out. A few seconds later the two go under the water and they don't know who makes the first move but suddenly they're kissing.
They come up for air after a little while because the kiss was making them both breathless. Chance lets out a laugh of delight when Will kisses all over his face. He kisses Will's jaw and grins softly. "Maybe when we're sober we could have a proper makeout session and maybe explore what we are."
Will giggles with a soft smile, his doe eyes making an appearance. "I'd like that, I'd like that very much."