(Ep. 4 & 5: Will the Wise & Dig Dug)

Mike Wheeler stood on the front porch steps of the Byers' home. He pounded his small hand against the wooden door in full determination to get answers on his best friend's well being, but it seemed no one wanted to ease his concerns. The house was eerily still, not a single sound emitting, only making it the place for worries and fears to grow.

"Hello? Will!" he exclaimed, "Mrs. Byers?!"

Gwen was just turning the corner after having driven in complete silence. From never getting a moment of peace and quiet at her home, she took advantage of every minute and tried forgetting how afraid she was of starting to become interested in Steve. Especially after spending years holding on to her resentment.

"Mike!" she called out, surprised at his sudden but expected visit.

He turned sharply in her direction and found relief when seeing her walk in a calm manner with her usual dark jacket slung over her shoulders. "Here to see Will too?"

"Been meaning to since yesterday. Are they not-" her words were cut short when the door opened halfway, allowing for Joyce to prevent them from entering.

"Hey, you two," her motherly voice said through a very clear forced smile Gwen was able to pick up on.

"Is Will here?" Mike asked.

Joyce stepped out and closed the door behind her. Her panicked eyes rushed through them as she was dreading having to get rid of them. She loved having any of Will or Jonathan's friends over, but these circumstances were forcing her to make tough decisions.

Gently placing her hands on both of their shoulders she said, "You know what? Now's not a really good time."

"Is he okay?" both of them asked.

Gwen studied the worried mom's expression. Her brows were pressed into a tight line indicating the high amount of stress she's in. Her hands were trembling despite trying to control them and the tone of her voice wasn't able to mask her concerns.

Something's definitely off.

Joyce continued even though she was certain none of them were buying it, "Yeah. You know, he's just not feeling well." She felt awful as she led them off her porch, but all she knew was that her son has to be her main priority, "He's laying down so I'll tell him you both stopped by, okay?"

Before Joyce was able to head back inside, Mike blurted out, "It's about the shadow monster, isn't it?"

Both women turned to him in shock. This is the first that Gwen's heard of this monster. From only being aware of the creature her brother found, she hoped that would've been the only entity to come back.

Well that's just great.

With slight reluctance, Joyce allowed them to enter. The last thing she wanted was to involve anyone else. She didn't want to put anyone in danger and even if Will and Jonathan's friends know about this, it seemed better to keep them in the dark from this new situation. Only now, two of them already know.

Upon entering, Mike ignored the scribbled filled household and stormed into his friend's room. As much as Gwen wanted to see Will, she couldn't help but remain in place at the sight of blue and black linings covering the entirety of the walls. The whiteness of the paper faded, allowing for more details of the swiveling lines to become more specific. She was careful not to step on any of them, but it was hard walking by without stepping on their edges. Seeing their entire living room up to the kitchen and the halls reminded her of the Christmas lights that served as more than just decoration.

"Hey, you reached Jim. I'm probably doing something incredible right now, and I can't-" Hopper's voice message was cut off when Joyce slammed the phone frustratedly.

"What's all this?" Gwen was unsure how to go on with the troubling situation. She couldn't imagine how hard this must be for Joyce and felt uncertain on how to question her without causing any more dismay.

"It seems like some sort of tunnel..." she began, switching off with a few more drawings. "He wasn't able to express his feelings so Hopper and I asked him to draw it out... and this is what came out."

Gwen took a more attentive look at the drawings and followed the paths created. Walking around the living room to the halls, she felt completely useless when not being able to figure this out. She knows there's some message in this, but nothing seems to come to mind no matter how hard she thinks.

Joyce paced desperately around the living room, her hands were trembling as she switched off between pieces of papers and picked some up from the floor. She was afraid of there being some kind of warning in these drawings, and the fact that her son was the one to draw them, only made everything worse.

"We'll figure this out, alright?" Gwen tried offering some comforting words, even though she's unsure of what their success rate will be, but it seems the Byers' mom needs some words of encouragement. "Even if it takes all night, we'll get it, okay?"

Joyce gave a faint nod and took a deep breath. She knows Gwen is just trying to comfort her, but oddly enough, it appears to be working. Giving up hope is not proving to be helpful, so it doesn't hurt to try and remain optimistic for this.

"Then let's get started," she announced.

For some strange reason, the time appeared to be running incredibly fast. Before they knew it, it was already four in the morning and there was no progress made. The only idea that Gwen suggested sounded ridiculous, which was that maybe these drawings were a map of some kind, but it didn't make sense as to what it was leading to, so her idea was dismissed.

Not even an hour left until sunrise, Gwen had ended up falling into a deep slumber. She wasn't sure how exactly since the caffeine had been making her jumpy. All she remembers was sitting down against the wall and feeling the heaviness of her eyes. She would have continued sleeping if it wasn't for Will's voice awakening her.

"I saw him," he whispered to his mother, who had remained awake and was seated in the middle of the living room.

"You saw who, baby?"

"Hopper," he continued, "I think he's in trouble. I think he's going to die."

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Lots of chaos overwhelmed the Byers home as all four of them hurried in finding the location of Hopper's whereabouts. Will returned to drawing his psychic visions and used up the rest of the blue and black crayons.

All three of them waited for his coloring session to end when finally, the crayons dropped and he stared blankly at his masterpiece, "Is this where you saw him? Is this where you saw Hopper?"

"I think so," he said, turning to Gwen who was trying her best not to panic. "I'm sure," he firmly stated to reassure her of his certainty.

All of them scattered and searched in every place that'd connect with this new drawing. Their hands traced the outlines of the paths as they were determined to find a perfect match on where he could possibly be.

Reaching the kitchen, Gwen scanned the furthest corners up to the cabinets, the floors, and finally, the refrigerator - where she was completely sure this was it.

"Here!" Gwen and Mike exclaimed, exchanging surprised looks at their mutual finding.

Joyce sprinted to them and placed the drawing right on top, "Okay, so... Hopper is here?"

"Yeah," both of them said again, only this time, they shared equally annoyed looks.

"Now we just need to find out where here is, right?"

"That should be easy," Gwen mumbled before squatting down next to Joyce, "Did he say anything? Before he left?"

Her brows cinched in confusion as she continued inspecting the drawing, "Uh, some... something about vines?"

"Vines?"

The sudden sound of a car approaching interrupted their conversation, causing all of them to hurry to the door in hopes it'd be Hopper. Only instead of being their wanted man, it was Bob Newby doing his usual morning visit.

"It's just your man," Gwen had no idea how Joyce would explain any of this to Bob without including him in this whole Upside Down mess. She seriously hopes he doesn't end up getting involved since nothing good ever comes from it.

"So... it's not Hopper?" Mike asked, only to receive a frown from her.

"Hopper's not her man so no, it's not him."

Joyce ignored the usual remarks and proceeded to walk out with a new sense of dread piling in, leaving two nosy teens who immediately dashed to the door to get a better listen. Only Gwen reached the door first and took the spot Mike was aiming for, causing them to start shoving each other for the better spot.

"Surprise. I would've called, but you said not to clog up the line."

"You know, I... we're fine, we don't need anything."

"When I was sick as a kid, and I was sick all the time as a kid..."

"What are they saying? I can't hear," Mike complained while trying to shove her off.

Ear still pressed against the door, she lazily shoved him off and expected him to give up, but the kid was too stubborn to allow her to win. She could see his typical scowl, causing her to chuckle as she said, "Shh! You're not letting me listen!"

"I could teach him how to play."

"You know, he's sleeping."

Accepting his defeat, he stood back with his arms folded and a pouty face, "Can you at least tell me what they're saying?"

"She's trying to get rid of him," she turned back to him, feeling slightly terrible when seeing how upset he looked, so reluctantly, she gestured him to take over her spot.

Mike started snickering as he said, "You lost."

"What did I lose, Wheeler?"

"I manipulated you into thinking I had given up just so you'd feel bad and give me your spot."

A frown covered her face as she whacked his head, "Correction. You mean I let you win because you couldn't even push me off. Come on Mike. I thought you said you were stronger than Hercules."

His mouth hung open in disbelief that she still remembered what he once told her when he was in 4th grade. He was in his wrestling phase and was challenging everyone, but Gwen questioned him on his supposed strength, which is when he swore he could beat anyone, including her, from how much his force resembled that of Hercules.

"I was 9! Let it go!"

"Shut up a sec," Joyce's voice sounded further which made it twice as hard to butt in. Both of them pressed their ears even more in hopes that somehow they'd acquire some magical hearing ability. Only they were unable to hear the footsteps as the door pushed against them, leaving them scattered on the floor.

Expecting only Joyce to come in, they were surprised that Bob entered with a confused expression that was soon replaced with a friendly smile. They quickly stood up and tried pretending they weren't embarrassed about getting caught redhanded.

"Woah there! Looks like we got two snoopers," he chuckled.

Joyce forced a smile and began introducing them, "Bob, this is Mike and this is-"

"Jonathan's girlfriend," he confidently stated, causing Gwen to choke on her tongue as she shook her head vigorously. It's not the first time she's been mistaken for his girlfriend, but having to correct herself always takes her by surprise. Especially now that she's in front of his mom.

"No no no. Not his girlfriend. His best friend," she corrected before walking off, not before hearing Mike choking on his laughter which earned him another whack on the head.

The room's atmosphere changed within minutes once Joyce showed him the drawings, hoping Bob the Brain would have the answers she was seeking.

There was silence for a moment. All of them, now being joined by Will, stood behind Bob as he stood in complete awe over the masterful art pieces.

"Huh," Bob nodded approvingly and asked, "You drew all these yourself?"

"Mmm-hmm," Joyce responded.

"Why exactly?"

"I told you the rules," she quickly said, turning to his son in hopes he wouldn't reveal anything. "No questions. Okay?"

"Yeah," he nodded even though many questions circulated his mind, but he knew better than not to follow Joyce's orders.

"We just need you to help us figure out what..." she trailed off, stopping once noticing Bob was still in complete awe of this strange game he couldn't ask questions about. "Bob? Bob! Over here." He followed his partner into the kitchen and watched as she drew a bright red X over the drawing. "Where this is."

Gwen was starting to get the hang of this. If saving Hopper had to get them to pretend to play some game, then so be it. "That's the objective."

"Find the X," Mike said.

He observed the drawing and chuckled, "Yeah? What's at the X? Pirate treasure?"

"No questions," Gwen beat Joyce before she was able to say it, receiving a gentle smile from her.

"Remember the rules, Bob."

"Okay," he simply agreed, looking at the two kids and the teenager, who awkwardly stood just waiting for the "game" to start. Bob turned to his partner in pure confusion, unsure how this is supposed to help Will, "Let me talk to you for a second." Nearly reaching her, he stopped before turning to the others, "Hang on guys."

Mike glanced at her with that earlier look, clearly wanting to eavesdrop but Gwen felt it wasn't right at this time. At least not after they were caught. She shook her head in disapproval and mouthed, "No," before taking a seat at the dining table.

The three waited in complete silence just tapping their feet along with popping their knuckles. None of them actually wanted to admit how annoyed they were becoming at their movements. They could only hope Bob would be able to decipher this and they'd be able to save Hopper.

"And if you just follow it naturally..." Bob followed the rest of the drawings, "It moves to... the Eno River." He stopped in the corner of the room as he proudly showcased the rest of the doodles, "And there it is. That's the Eno. Do you see it?" Gwen was confused for a split second, but not soon after, her mind was starting to comprehend what he was able to solve.

Holy shit. Maybe I wasn't wrong, she thought.

"Okay, so the lines aren't roads, but they act like roads." He walked over to the kitchen with wide arms as he tried explaining it better, "And they act like roads 'cause when you follow 'em, you'll see they don't go over water..." a smile started forming, "And that's the giveaway. That's the giveaway! Ha!" He laughed victoriously while continuing to walk around the kitchen, "Don't you get it? It's not a puzzle..."

Now everything was making sense.

"It's a map of Hawkins," Gwen finished his sentence, receiving an agreeable smile and a pleasing nod from Bob. Seems her idea wasn't too far off and she had been right in thinking it was some sort of map.

"Exactly! Right, Will?"

Will was unsure of what to say as he worried on saying anything that'd be too revealing, so he settled on providing a small nod. The three of them turned silent as they listened to Bob continue his rambling, when the sudden sound of Will's radio started coming from his room.

Mike rolled his eyes, plotting his elbows against the table and let the radio continue to go off. He didn't want to hear what the rest of his friends were dealing with when he needs to focus solely on Will. If it's extremely important, they'd know to call the Byers' phone instead.

"None of you are going to get that?" Gwen waited for them to say anything, or even move, but they remained in their seats with no intentions on answering. "Sure, I'll get it then."

She stormed into Will's room, shivering when feeling a wave of cold air before reaching for the irritating radio that had her brother's voice coming out.

"What do you want, Dustin?"

There was silence on the other end, almost like he was reluctant to speak, "You're not Will."

She scoffed, "Gee, Einstein. Thanks for me letting me know."

"Just tell her!" Lucas' voice came from the background along with a banging sound that made the radio go wonky for a split second.

"Tell me what?"

Dustin sighed as he really would have wanted for Will and Mike to respond, but it seems he'll have to drag his sister into this as well. She's definitely not going to be happy about him keeping Dart despite everything that happened.

"Gwen, we really need your help. Can you come home so I can explain everything?"

Her shoulders tensed at the nervousness in his voice. Something was definitely wrong and she wasn't about to let her brother and Lucas face it by themselves. She dropped everything, trusting Joyce would be able to bring back Hopper, and drove at an erratic speed to her brother's rescue.

__________________

"Why are we meeting at the Wheeler's? We have that freaking demogorgon to get rid of!" Still in disbelief that Dustin had been so oblivious to that monster pet of his, she was just glad it hadn't hurt him or their mom.

Ignoring his sister, he simply knocked on the door to be received by Ted Wheeler, "Your line has been busy for over two hours, Mr. Wheeler."

Probably cause Mrs. Wheeler is hogging the line.

"Do you realize this?" he calmly told him, only a hint of annoyance could be heard.

"Umm, I'll just wait in the car," she whispered to him, "Nice to see you, Mr. Wheeler," she said with a forced smile before hurrying off to the vehicle. Only she was surprised to see that the conversation had ended fairly quickly as Dustin was now marching in her direction.

"Mike's not here. Where the hell is he?" he questioned more to himself.

"He's at the Byers," she calmly said, walking with ease towards her car before Dustin pulled her back by the arm. "Watch it!"

"And you didn't even think to tell me?! What's wrong with you?!"

"I did tell you! It's not my fault you didn't pay attention to what I was saying!" Gwen turned around, running her hands through her hair in frustration.

"Hey, I'm not done with you! Come back!" Dustin folded his arms across his chest, his eyes were filled with annoyance and slight anger at the wasted time in coming here. He definitely would have remembered if she mentioned something. He was about ninety-five percent certain she didn't say anything, but that lingering five percent was leaving him doubtful.

"Stop being a baby and come on! We have to get rid of that thing-" her voice trailed off when hearing the most irritating sound to exist coming closer.

You've got to be kidding me.

Steve Harrington's car parked right out front the Wheeler house. He hopped off with a bouquet of roses as he ran his free hand through that perfect hair of his.

"Wow, roses," she began, "Could you be any more cliche?"

He froze in his tracks at the voice of the vexing girl, noticing she wasn't alone but was with her brother as well, "What are you doing here?"

Gwen rolled her eyes at not wanting to explain herself to him. It's not like he'd be of much help anyway considering he spent the majority of his time screaming and panicking. Although she had to give him credit for saving her ass.

"Go fuck yourself," she simply said.

Chuckles escaped Dustin who had started to attentively watch the two after the whole festival situation. He was a hundred percent certain he was right, which is why he figured including Steve in this mission would allow everything to run its course.

"Okay, now what did I do?" Steve snapped, nearly dropping the flowers before covering it up by passing them to his other hand.

"Exist," she responded, starting to walk towards her vehicle but of course, Dustin had other plans.

"Are those for Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler?" Of course he knew they weren't for them, but for Nancy instead. This was an attempt to see how Gwen acted, yet her reaction wasn't what he expected.

She laughed, "You're not trying to get her back after she wasn't able to say she loves you, right?"

"Why do you care?" A teasing smile started to form as he walked closer to her, ignoring the attempts of Dustin trying to snatch the flowers from him.

"Excuse you. I don't," she remarked before attempting to grab Dustin's arm. Only he was now taking advantage of Steve's distraction to take the bouquet from him.

"Hey! What the hell?!" Steve exclaimed, running off after the boy, "Hey!"

"Nancy isn't home."

"Where is she?" he asked, worry easing its way through.

"Does it matter?" Gwen complained as she reached her car, but was surprised Dustin was choosing Steve's instead. "Umm, Dustin?"

"We don't need your car, Gwen. Steve's driving us. Aren't you?" he smiled at him before tossing the roses inside and scattering various petals all around his car seats.

"He isn't-"

"Where to?"

Neither of them wanted to spend any time together, not after the locker room incident. Steve watched her as she seemed reluctant to get in his car, but with her brother getting himself comfortable in the front seat, she was even more reluctant to leave him alone.

"We're not riding his stupid car. End of story," Gwen stated and started to march in her brother's direction to drag him away.

Steve clenched his jaw, rolling his eyes before opening the passenger door to motion Dustin to get out, "Dude, get out. I'm not driving anywhere with her."

"Well you have to because I don't intend on getting off this car, and I'm not going anywhere without her," Dustin adjusted his seatbelt, smirking at Steve when making his intentions clear.

Gwen reached Steve's car and pushed him out of the way to try and unbuckle her brother. If he wasn't getting out the easy way, then it will be the hard way. Even if she has to carry him into her car, then so be it.

"Get your paws off me! I'm not getting out!" Dustin dug his fingers into his seat, earning complains from Steve on not wanting his leather seats to get damaged.

"Stop holding on!"

"You need to let go!"

Both Steve and Gwen were now trying to pry Dustin off. They were using all of their strength to get the kid out, but it was getting incredibly hard considering how loud he was screaming and was bringing the neighbors' attention on them.

"Everywhere you go, you always seem to ruin my life!" Steve yelled, rolling his eyes at her while continuing to try getting Dustin out of his car.

"Stop being a dramatic little bitch! How is this even ruining your life?!" she shoved his hand away from hers, refusing to make contact even if it happens to be accidental.

"Oh, so now I'm the bitch? This wouldn't have happened if you knew how to control your pesky brother!"

Gwen abruptly let go, her gaze hardened as she felt her blood boiling in anger, "Don't you ever call my brother 'pesky' again. You got that?"

Steve turned silent, he swallowed hard and took a few steps back. He leaned against his car and decided to wait for the kid to willing get out.

"Come on, Dustin. This is getting ridiculous."

He shrugged carelessly, smiling faintly at their failure that he started buckling his seatbelt again. "Then just get in the back and problem solved."

Steve scoffed, "Like I'd ever allow that to happen."

"Oh you wish you could have me in your car."

That seemed to strike a nerve. Gwen found herself surprised at his sullen expression as he remembered last night's dream which had the both of them spending a passionate night in his car.

He tried shaking the image away and simply chose to avoid looking at her, "You don't even meet my standards for you to ever end up in the backseat of my car." He boastfully tugged the collar of his jacket, smirking when seeing her annoyed expression.

Gwen scoffed, smiling sarcastically before saying, "If anything, your standards are far too low since you're just willing to sleep with anyone who crosses your path. Are you really that desperate for affection, little Steve?"

Steve's mouth hung slightly open. Offended at her words, he tried searching for anything that infuriate her. "You're one to talk. Considering the guy you're with, I'd say your standards are extremely low."

Now that had been the second time he mentioned Billy in such a disdainful way. Gwen couldn't help but wonder if there was some jealousy in his words. It explains everything and why he's been so adamant on using Billy against her. Of course, she did use his breakup with Nancy against him as well, but she was keen on blaming him for everything.

"At least he's more of a man than you'll ever be."

Steve felt every part of him burn at her comparison. He could feel his shoulders tighten and his hands press into fists as he did nothing but stare in bewilderment. He feared that she became too blinded by her feelings for Billy to not realize how terrible he truly is.

"You're turning out to be what everyone says you are. I mean, no surprise there," he started walking towards the driver's side, ready to ditch her right then and there, but realized he couldn't since Dustin was still sitting comfortably in the front seat.

"You know what, Harrington?"

Starting to get annoyed at this, Dustin got off the car and blocked her from reaching the now terrified Steve. "Okay as much I find this bickering to be entertaining, we have greater issues at hand than your love life."

"What?!"

"We don't have a love life!"

Rolling his eyes, the boy stared at them in frustration and exclaimed, "Oh spare me! For two people who claim to hate each other, you surely like spending every waking minute arguing instead of staying apart! So either shut up and ignore that supposed dislike or just kiss already so we can go on and focus on what's important here!"

The two of them stared with their eyes wide and mouths slightly open. Unsure on how to respond without having more thrown at their faces, all they could do was just remain silent. Dustin smiled, feeling satisfied in ending this incessant arguing before asking, "Anyway, do you still have that bat?"

Still shaken, Steve blinked a few times and shook his head before responding, "Umm, what bat?"

"The one with the nails."

The one he stole from me, Gwen thought while getting into the backseat.

"Why?"

"I'll explain it on the way," he told him as he got into the passenger side and looked back at his sister. "You're awfully quiet."

"Oh shut up," she snapped, pouting while putting on her seatbelt and trying to avoid watching Steve head to the vehicle.

"Now?"

"Now!" Gwen lashed out, fully determined on getting to normality and forgetting how uncomfortable her brother made this.

Steve groaned and reluctantly jogged to the driver's side. He turned the ignition on and tried drowning out the silence with music, but like expected, Gwen reached over and turned it off just to spite him.

"Seriously?" he complained as he stared at her through the rearview mirror. Damn it, he seriously can't stand her and the way she deals with everything. Her voice, her movements, everything about her infuriates him.

Despite his complaints, he'd find himself looking into the mirror just to see her. Not even realizing that Dustin was noticing everything.

Only making his suspicions grow by the second as he now knew there was definitely something more.