max never exactly knew what the party really thought of her, except for lucas: she always thought she was just another crush to dustin, just another girl who’s trying too hard to mike, but will? will actually took the time out to made her feel welcome. when the boys were 1/6

planning their next d&d campaigns, will included max in his ideas sketch without asking mike if she was in or asking max herself if she was free. on their small walks in the school corridor, they talked about california and skating and arcade games. he wanted to know max for 2/6

she was, not just treat her as lucas’ girlfriend. but max thought the best part about will was that he never pushed for things like the stubborn mike or the curious dustin. he understood there were things which had their own time for explanation. so, when max suddenly showed 3/6

up at the byers’ after a loud night at home, she was eternally grateful that will asked no questions. he embraced her into a tight hug once he took in her tired form, petted her hair until her sobs died down, and then made them some hot chocolate. max was about to 4/6

apologise for showing up uninvited when she knew will has worries of his own, but will beat her to it “max. no apologies... you feel better?” max just nodded. “good. remember, you don’t need to share with me if you’re not comfortable, but i’m glad you trust me enough to show 5/6

up and let me take care of you.” and at that moment, max decided that if there’s a person she’ll willingly risk everything for, it’s will. and as a form of payback, maybe one day she‘ll talk to will about his blindingly obvious crush, and tell him that he’s valid and loved 6/6