A Friend I Need. Zoran And Will Byers with Byler Content

Chapter 4 - Things aren't what they seem

(TW: Self harm mentioned in this chapter.)

"What did you hear about Wheeler, Lucas? I tried calling him on the Supercom but he didn't answer." Dustin was in the dark about the aftermath of the fight.

"I called the house but Karen said he is grounded for two weeks so we can only see him in school. I don't know when he is coming back though." Lucas answered back. The boys never said another word as they ate their lunches.

Max's POV

Max noticed the mood at the table wasn't as joyful as it used to be; it is downright depressing. With Will banished (partially her fault), Mike suspended from school and Jane angry at the Party for allowing Mike to hit Will, the Party turned into a trio. The laughter and silliness is gone, replaced by seriousness. Max looked out at the other tables and saw the other groups living life and moving forward. She spotted Will and Zoran talking and enjoying themselves and Jane hanging out with Marisol and Tina. Seeing Jane make new friends is the hardest. It went from constant sleepovers and hangouts to occasional hangouts and infrequent sleepovers. Jane being Will's sister doesn't help things when Lucas and Dustin kicked Will to the curb. She supports her sibling like a good sibling should but it comes at her expense. Max feels responsible for starting all this fracturing of the Party.

Max likes Will but after being Vecna's 'guest' all she heard about was Henry wanting to get ahold of Will for Henry's (Vecna) ends. Max was scared for the quiet boy because a force so malevolent wanted to get him like he was a trophy to be claimed. Max found out that Will was the most important person in the world to Vecna and he was going to own him one way or another. She found out Will had immense power Henry needed to pull off his plan. Max found this laughable at first but Henry was convinced he was absolutely needed. Max didn't think Will was pathetic at all, but she knew he wouldn't fight unless he had no choice. He was also gentle and a caring person who would never use immense power for his own vanity or ego like most people would. Max laughed thinking that Will himself would dismiss Henry's claims and would admit he was the least important person in the group when he was more than he admited to himself. When Vecna said Will wasn't like any other human Max thought he must not be from Earth. It solidified when Will took down Henry that Vecna was telling more truth than lie. Not even El had the power Will displayed that day before going back to his usual meek self.

Max would of never told the group about Will except she believed Henry when he said that Will would take over the world and kill Lucas. Max needs Lucas in many ways and after seeing Will take down the Upside Down forces, she felt deep down in her guts that Will could be that person. She became almost wary of him and just being around Will spiked her anxiety and reminded her of her time with Henry. When Will couldn't make the first sleepover Max felt good being with the rest of the Party and didn't get reminded of Vecna as she would if Will was around. She wanted to get back to normal so she was happy when Will wasn't around. She feels terrible because Will wasn't at fault for who he is and she shouldn't want him to be excluded but felt relief when he was. How do you tell someone you don't hate them but you don't want them around either?

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Zoran and Will were talking about their day so far and eating. To Will, after sharing with Zoran his memories, everyone else seemed to not matter to him. It was like the others were in a tide that went out permanently. All Will wanted to do was spend time with Zoran since he knew alot about him. They enjoyed each other's presences.

"What did you think when Mrs. Bloom was talking about hunter/gatherer societies. How did your experiences in the Dead Zone compare." Both boys laughed.

"I only know about the gathering part as I didn't have any animals to hunt. The conclusions she came up with are...." Zoran was interrupted. Will and Zoran saw Troy and James standing there like vultures.