little things; stranger things littlespace oneshots

♡ 25 - stay ♡

ur request finally imlunereclipse :') i hope it was ok <3
⚠️ tw for bullying and minor violence, mention of blood and blade (not really uhh serious)

cg!max
little!will (3)

"Come on, do something. Do it!" Troy spat, shoving Will back first into the lockers. A loud clanging sound resonated in the hall as his back and head slammed against the metal. His breathing was heavy. Will grunted as he tried to escape Troy's grip with no luck. Will was slightly taller, but Troy was definitely stronger. And with a James by his side, Will couldn't get out. Troy threw Will onto the ground, Will landing harshly on his stomach with a groan. Troy dug a knee into his back and pushed his head down, forcing him to the floor.
"Get- get off!" Will choked out, struggling under Troy's grasp.

"Ooh, did this little fairy say something?" Troy grinned maliciously, his grip tightening on Will's face. Will squeezed his eyes shut, his face visibly pained. "Troy, I don't know about this-" James began.
"No!" Troy yelled, clenching his jaw. There was almost fire in his eyes. "Zombie boy's gonna die for real now." It was difficult to tell whether Troy was speaking with amusement or rage. He seemed troubled, almost insane. Will's stomach dropped at the sound of a "click". The all too familiar switchblade.
"Troy. Troy!" James exclaimed.
"Shut up! I'll kill you and every last one of your freakshow friends, you f-"

Before he could finish speaking, a body collided harshly against his. Troy was sent falling to the floor, the blade sliding down the hallway floor. Will exhaled at the pressure taken off of him, able to breathe normally now. He turned and looked upward to find Max staring down at him, arm outstretched. Will took her hand and lifted himself up, brushing off his clothes.
"Agh- bitch!" A voice came from aside. The two turned their heads. Troy sat on the floor, his hand on his head. A small bit of blood ran from his temple.

Max paid no attention. She started running as James reached for the switchblade, shoving him out of the way and grabbing it. She walked back to Troy, who still sat on the ground. Max pointed the blade at him from a distance.
"If you mess with any of us ever again, you're gonna be sorry." she hissed.
"What's a girl like you gonna do? Cry?" Troy retorted, but defeated. Max smirked.
"Maybe. But a girl like El is going to break your fucking arms. Just like at the quarry." she said smugly.
"Shit.. shit." Troy muttered, getting up and recollecting himself. "A-al-alright, we're s-sorry. P-please don't-" he sputtered.

"Go." Max cut him off, watching as the two scrambled off. She sighed, stuffing the blade in her back pocket. She turned back to Will, who looked at her with tear filled eyes. He whimpered quietly, holding onto one of her hands with both of his. "Oh, honey, are you..?" she said quietly so as to not attract the attention of anyone who might be in the hallways after school. Will gave a small nod, fidgeting slightly. He looked down at the floor.
"It's alright. You being little is nothing to be embarrassed about. So let's take a walk home, can you do that?" she asked encouragingly.

"Okay." he said shyly. They exited the school and went along the sidewalk side-by-side on a peaceful walk home. As they strolled, Will would occasionally hop over the cracks or kick rocks playfully.
"So, how was your day today?" Max asked, trying to distract him from what had happened.
"It was 'kay, fanks. You?" he replied politely, still gently kicking rocks around.
"It was.. good!" she responded, slightly surprised by Will's manners. "Have any plans for the weekend?" Max asked him playfully.

"I dunno. Do you?" he replied again, still not looking up.
"Will," Max sighed, holding her arm out to stop him. He looked up at her innocently.
"You know you don't have to be so polite. It's okay, just relax." she chuckled softly, picking up the pace again.
"Oh, okie, sowwy!" he giggled bashfully.
"And dont apologize so much!" she added.
"Oh yeah, sowwy! Uhh- I mean," he sputtered. Max laughed. "Hey, why awe you waughing!"
"I'm sorry, Will. You're just so cute." she said, trying to stifle her laughs.

"Wh- I am not!" Will pouted, crossing his arms. "Alright, buddy. Whatever you say." Max replied, ruffling his hair. Will huffed at that but couldn't contain his smile. They reached Will's doorstep, where Max opened the door and gestured for him to go inside. "I'll see you on Monday, okay?" said Max, turning away. Will's face instantly fell.
"No, stay!" Will insisted. He impulsively grabbed her hand before she could go. As she turned to look at him, Will, realizing what he had done, immediately let go and put his hands at his sides. He didn't want to be pushy, and he was visibly embarrassed.

Max saw this. To ease the tension, she grabbed his hand again and smiled. "Is Jonathan home? Or anyone to take care of you?" she asked. Will shook his head. "Alone." he responded. Max thought for a moment. "Well.. I guess I can stay for awhile, hmm?" Will's face lit up. "Yayyy! You'll stay!" Will cheered, pulling her into the house.
"Whoa, slow down bud!" she laughed, letting herself be dragged into whatever Will would get up to this time.

- 888 words