𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐂² || Will Byers x Male!Reader

━━ 𝐃𝐈𝐆 𝐃𝐔𝐆 - 𝐏𝟑 ━━

a.n. as i mentioned, part 4 isn't ready yet. what's posted is what is currently available. my editors and i are very grateful for your patience and understanding, you have no idea! love you all 💞

||𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

"Alright, this is it. Five-one-five Larrabee, right?"

The truck had pulled to a stop and El leaned over to take a peek out the window past Y/n. He had sat stiffly the whole ride, barely muttering a word unless it was to cover up a thing that El might have let slip about her identity. The man seemed to understand his weariness and he didn't pry too much. He had only asked necessary questions, like if their parents were looking for them, or if they were alright.

El answered most of the questions, all relatively short answers. Before they knew it, they had crossed town and Y/n was glad he had thought to go back and hide his bike in some bushes back on Mirkwood.

"Yes," El answered. "Thank you,"

Y/n gave a curt nod towards the man and eagerly opened the door. The man's words made him stop and the two kids looked at him.

"You both make sure to apologize, alright?" He looked to El kindly. "Your Mama must be scared half to death. How long's it been?"

"Long time," El answered thoughtfully.

After a small pause, Y/n piped up, "Alright," and exited the car, planting his feet firmly on the ground. He reached a hand out to El to help her down, one El gladly took. Not before looking over the man he had been so wary of and tossing him a weak smile.

"Thank you again, sir."

He smiled and nodded in understanding. "No worries, I get it. You kiddos be careful alright?"

Y/n mimicked the man and nodded with a genuine smile.

"Will do, take care."

He nodded once more and put the car in gear, and Y/n closed the door behind him. The truck came to life once more before taking off down the road. Y/n looked to El, readjusting the bag on his shoulders and he frowned when she saw a small smile forming on El's lips.

"What?" He asked.

"See? A nice man."

Y/n rolled his eyes, hating the smile that betrayed his mask of annoyance though he couldn't deny the relief that washed over him.

"Yes, he was nice. But for real, we were pretty lucky. Young kids don't usually fare well when it comes to strange men. Or-- well, I guess just strangers in general."

El shrugged and headed down the muddy path in the leaves, Y/n quick to follow. Both of them missing the mailbox labeled Ives. The both of them followed the path of the driveway and they saw a small two-story house behind the trees. It wasn't until they reached the porch that El showed a hint of hesitation.

Y/n saw the familiar symptoms of anxiety in his friend and he reached over, grabbing her hand and giving it a light squeeze. El smiled weakly in return, reciprocating with one of thanks. El then released her hand and took a deep breath, tempted to wipe her palms on the side of her overalls despite the absence of actual sweat. She reached out and slapped the door instead, not quite understanding the concept of knocking just yet. Y/n fought the urge to politely correct her, knowing it was a sensitive time.