Don't Be Afraid (Stranger Things Fanfiction)

The Deal

1986

Lucas's P.O.V.

"Hey Will?"

    "Yeah?"

   "How come we don't have girlfriends yet?"

   "Girlfriends?" Will snickers.

   "Yeah girlfriends." I pout somewhat seriously, which he picks up on and chooses to adopt a more focused demeanor.

   "Does it bother you often?" He presses. "To not have a girlfriend I mean."

   I shrug. "Not usually. It's just that sometimes when I see Mike and Eleven, or Dustin and Kate...I can't help but wonder...why not us?

   Will hums at this.

   "I mean, we're not that bad are we? We're okay people, right?"

  "...I suppose." Will ponders for a second. "You know what I think you should do Lucas?"

   "What?" I ask, grateful to finally have some input.

   "You should find something you care about more."

   "Huh?"

   "Find something you care about more." He repeats simply, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "As for our group's couples, just try to be genuinely happy for them."

   "Are you genuinely happy for them?" I challenge.

   He turns to face me and smiles.

   "Yes."

   And I believed him, there was only honesty in his eyes. It's not like I wasn't happy for them too. It's just that sometimes those longing or insecure thoughts could creep in. Stupid feelings.

   But I knew my friend was right. He was the wisest of us four. Hence his character, Will the Wise.

   "Alright then, I guess I'll just have to find this something." I declare, rising up from the grass.

   "Cool, you'll..." Will starts but stops when we both hear very lightly placed footsteps.

  There was a time when such a sound would have gone unnoticed by us, but Mortifer had been training us for years now, honing our skills and instincts. We remain casual all the while being ready to leap into action.

   A figure emerges from the treeline, distinctly making a beeline for us. My body starts tensing, getting ready, before Will places a hand on my shoulder, shaking his head while wearing a knowing smile. I keep watching the approaching figure until...oh.

   "Mortifer." I greet warmly, smile already forming. "It is good to see you, but why are you out here so late?"

   That oh so familiar smile of his emerges as he closes the remaining short distance. "For a very good reason, of course, Lucas." His smile grows. "Hello there Will."

   Will nods in acknowledgement.

   "So you gonna tell us, or keep us in suspense?" I poke a little fun at which he seems to chuckle.

   "I am here to give you your weapons." He states simply.

   I pause, a little befuddled.

   "Mortifer, what do you mean? We already have weapons."

   His expression becomes more serious. "You misunderstand. I am here to give you your weapons."

   ...