WILL POV-

---- The next day: 12:43 PM ----

The warm summer months allowed the pair to reach their favourite hangout spot; Scoops Ahoy. A safe and easy option; not to mention it also had romantic significance being the space for their first date and all. But today, the reason for coming here was different; they wouldn't be having a typical romantic date; no, today Will was to surprise his friends with his ability to speak. After being in a coma for the better part of 7 months and having no voice for a month, it would be a nice surprise.

As Mike and Will entered the ice-cream parlour, the soft melody of music played in the air. Walking to the counter, the floor remained empty today: it meant they would get their ice-creams quickly. The sweet aroma of waffle cones and brownie batter wafted in the air, the boyfriends engulfed in the sweet smell.

As they approached the counter, Robin stood tall, her bored expression morphing to a bright smile as she saw the pair, "Hey guys! What can I get you today?" eagerly awaiting the ravenette for an answer.

Suddenly the brunette took a deep breath, exchanging a mischievous grin with his boyfriend as he spoke, "Can we have-"

"Wait, what?" The blue-eyed girl gasped aloud, her eyes widening as she covered her mouth, "You can talk again?" seeing him nod, she gasped again screaming, "STEVE! ERICA!" alerting her friends from the back room.

In an instant, they both rushed over, "What happened?" the funky boy questioned, gripping his ice-cream scooper, ready to pounce at any danger; worried for his best-friend's safety.

"Will has something shocking!" was all the blue-eyed girl said.

"Will, what?" Steve looked between the two, confusion etched onto his face. "Is everything okay Will? Did something happen?" he asked, even though he knew he would hear no words in reply.

"I'm doing good thanks!" The brunette smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye; capturing the attention of his friends. Steve's jaw hit the floor; Erica blinked, purely amazed and confused by the sudden ability to speak.

After a moment of stunned silence, the trio retained composure. Robin exclaimed, "I told you it was shocking!"

The funky boy joined in, a mix of excitement and disbelief, "No way Byers! This is incredible!" running pass the counter Steve exchanged a big hug with the small boy; like a mother hearing good news from their child. A surge of pride and happiness ran through him. The smile on his face never leaving.

Erica stood behind, her face still shocked; just as happy, "I can't believe I'm saying this but... I've missed your voice!"

Will grinned, the look on his friends' faces made sure the whole ordeal was worth it; all the hard work and progress paid off in the end.

Mike, who had silently been observing his boyfriend, couldn't help but smile; appreciating the small boy's resilience through this entire time. The ravenette had watched all the progression with his own eyes, aware of all the obstacles along the way... although now, he had other thoughts on his brain. Throughout Will's recovery, he couldn't stop thinking about the murders Will allegedly committed. He really wanted to get to the reason why, and to the bottom of it; he did some research about the victims, but still had his own questions. He decided to let Will have his fun for now...

The ravenette turned on his heel walking away, "Wait Mike! Where are you going?" the brunette questioned, tilting his head as he barely managed to get out of Steve's grasp. He looked at Mike with a hint of concern.

"It's nothing, Teacup!" the ravenette reassured, his voice tender. "Just take the time to reconnect with your friends. We'll talk later... I have something planned!" Mike ominously answered.

Confusion lingered in the brunette's head, but he trusted the ravenette's judgment and hoped he misinterpreted the tone. He watched his boyfriend leave the shop promising to talk later. There was a hint of sadness and curiosity within him, but he dared not ask any questions.

The funky boy pulled Will into the back room sitting him down like how a waiter would seat you down in a fancy restaurant. The older pair couldn't contain their excitement as they immediately sprang into action, placing an assortment of delectable desserts on the table. Erica sat across from the brunette, a small smile on her face.

"Alright Will, we've got all your favourites for this special occasion!" Robin exclaimed, her clumsy smile turning into a mischievous grin, "Strawberry sundae, chocolate fudge brownie, banana split and a Reese's pieces Milkshake!"

Steve chimed in, unable to hide his enthusiasm, "But don't forget the triple scoop gelato waffle with strawberries and extra Whip cream!"

The brunette's eyes widened at the display before his very eyes, shaking his head, "Woah, you guys! You really went all out!" he chuckled, incredibly grateful for their thoughtfulness.

"You should have seen them buying food for you last week!" Erica chimed in, stealing a cherry from the top of the banana split.

"That isn't for you!" The blue-eyed girl placed a hand on the youthful girl's head, shaking her around before sitting down.

"I mean I won't be able to eat all of this... can y'all help me?" Will questioned.

With spoons, knives and forks in hand, the group dug into the sweet feast before them, relishing in each bite as they savoured the flavours. They laughed and chatted, allowing the small boy to tell all the things he wanted to, sharing anecdotes as the words flew our effortlessly, filled with warmth.

"You guys are the best!" the brunette smiled, his voice grinning while filled with genuine appreciation, "Thanks for being here... it means a lot!"

Robin beamed, her eyes filled with affection, "You're family to us, we'll always be here for you!"

Steve nodded, a playful grin on his face. "Absolutely buddy! We're all in this together..." his voice morphing into a song as he portrayed a rendition of the song from the 'High School Musical'.

The group shared heartfelt laughter, their bonds growing stronger each passing moment. The joyous atmosphere at Scoops Ahoy seemed to envelope them, creating an emotional safe space where they could be themselves, free from judgment.

But as the conversation flowed, it naturally shifted toward the team's past adventures and their mission of killing bad guys. Will couldn't help but feel slightly guilty how the whole operation came to a halt upon the onset of his coma.

"So you lot haven't gone on any missions recently?" The brunette mused, his voice twined with shock; his eyebrows raised.

Steve noticed, a touch of seriousness in his expression, "We had to prioritise your recovery, Will!" an empathetic tone to his words.

Robin next chimed in, her voice firm, "We always have your back Will... but after all we've been through, I've been thinking; maybe we should let go of our pursuit of catching bad guys!"

Erica nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and contemplation, "I think Robin's right. We've faced so many dangers and put ourselves at risk and... for what? You almost died!"

The brunette listened intently, his heart torn between memories of their past and the uncertainty of the future. He couldn't deny the toll it took on him physically, mentally and emotionally. The scars were still fresh, and the fear of losing each other remained constant in the back of their minds.

"I understand..." Will finally spoke, his voice soft and filled with tragedy. He offered a reassuring smile; it was tough for all of them but... it was necessary. They exchanged understanding glances, a newfound sense of freedom settling over; their collective decision to leave the life of being vigilantes behind, but their friendship remaining as strong as ever.

The youthful girl raised her glass to the air, "I think we should toast to this!", a bright smile on her face. The brunette chuckled also raising his glass, "Yeah!" Robin and Steve following suit; the clinking glasses filling the air. It didn't mean this was the end of their friendship, rather the beginning of something new!

Will felt his phone buzz in his pocket, seeing Mike's messages; asking to meet him at a location near the river. "Sorry guys! I need to go!" he added jumping from his seat.

"See you!" the trio called

"Yeah! See you tomorrow!" Will ran out the store room, excited to meet his boyfriend... 

But should he? 

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1427 Words

Stay Safe <3