Chapter Text
The Hawkins High gymnasium buzzed with nervous energy. Graduation day. Banners screamed congratulations, folding chairs squeaked under the weight of parents, and the air crackled with the static of possibility. Will Byers, however, felt a different sort of buzz. He adjusted the baby carrier wrap snug against his chest, checking on his daughter, Elara, nestled inside. Just two weeks old, she was a tiny, perfect weight against him.
He smoothed down his pixie cut, his side bangs falling just so, and took a deep breath. Today was a milestone, a culmination of late-night study sessions, monster battles, and the unique challenges life had thrown his way. Being trans since thirteen had been a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the unwavering support of his family. Now, becoming a father had added another layer, one he was embracing with both trepidation and overwhelming love.
Dustin, his boyfriend and the father of Elara, bounced over, his curly hair a chaotic halo around his head. His face, usually animated and expressive, was a mask of barely contained excitement. "Will! You made it! And look at Elodie! She's getting so big." He reached out a careful finger to stroke the baby's cheek.
Will smiled, his hazel eyes softening. "Hey, Dust. Wouldn't miss this for the world. Even if it means explaining to half the town why I have a baby."
Dustin's grin widened, radiating the warmth Will loved. "Let them stare. We've faced worse than judgmental glares, right? Besides, Elodie's way more interesting than any graduation speech." He squeezed Will's hand. "You okay, though? You look a little pale."
"Just nervous," Will admitted. "Lots of people I haven't seen in a while. And... it's a lot."
"Hey," Dustin said, his voice dropping to a reassuring murmur. "We're in this together. Always. And you look amazing. Glowing, even." He winked. "New dad glow."
They were joined by Lucas, looking dapper in his graduation gown. "Hey guys! Wow, Elara's already grown! Ready for some boring speeches and awkward photo ops?"
"Born ready," Dustin declared, puffing out his chest. "Someone's gotta keep Will entertained."
As they navigated the throng of graduates and well-wishers, Will felt a familiar wave of anxiety wash over him. He caught Steve Harrington’s eye. Steve, looking surprisingly handsome in a button-down shirt and chinos, sauntered over, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Well, well, well," Steve drawled, "if it isn't Mama Byers. Didn't think you had it in you, kid." He ruffled Will’s hair, then softened his gaze. "Seriously, though, congratulations, Will. You really pulled it off."
Will rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Thanks, Steve. And just for the record, it's Dad Byers."
Steve laughed. "Whatever you say, buddy. Just promise me you won't start lecturing Elodie about the importance of Farrah Fawcett hairspray."
Eddie Munson, Steve's boyfriend, slung an arm around Steve's shoulder. "Lay off him, Harrington. The kid's got enough on his plate." He nodded at Will. "Congrats, Will. You're a legend."
The ceremony began, a monotonous drone of speeches and platitudes. Will found himself zoning out, focusing instead on the weight of Elodie against his chest, the rhythmic rise and fall of her tiny body. He thought about the future, about raising her in a world that was still learning to accept difference. He hoped he and Dustin could create a safe and loving space for her, a place where she could be whoever she wanted to be.
During the recessional, Joyce, El, and Jonathan found them. Joyce engulfed Will in a hug. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. You've overcome so much." She peered into the carrier. "Oh, Elodie, she's absolutely gorgeous."
El, now a young woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes, gave Will a knowing smile. "She is pretty. Like her father." El had always been fiercely protective of Will, a bond forged in shared trauma and a mutual understanding of being different.
Jonathan, ever the quiet observer, clapped Will on the shoulder. "You did it, man. Graduation and fatherhood. You're amazing." He adjusted his camera. "Let me get a picture of you all."
As Jonathan snapped away, Will felt a surge of gratitude for his family, his found family. He saw Max and Erica waving from across the crowd. Nancy and Robin were there too, all of them radiating support and acceptance.
Later, at the graduation party, Will found himself surrounded by friends, family, and well-wishers. He answered questions about Elodie, patiently explaining the details of his journey, his transition, and his unexpected path to fatherhood. He held his head high, meeting the stares with confidence and a quiet sense of pride.
He saw Karen Wheeler, Mike’s mom, approaching him and steeled himself. She’d always been… complicated. But then, she surprised him with an earnest smile. "Will, darling," she said, her voice softer than he remembered. "Congratulations. She's beautiful. And you look so happy."
Will smiled back, genuinely touched. "Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the party, Will found himself sitting on a picnic blanket with Dustin, Elodie nestled peacefully between them. He watched his friends laughing and celebrating, their faces alight with joy. He had made it. He had navigated adolescence, battled monsters, found love, and become a father. He was surrounded by people who loved him, who accepted him for who he was, flaws and all.
He looked at Dustin, who was tracing the delicate curve of Elodie's cheek. "I love you," Will said, his voice thick with emotion.
Dustin looked up, his blue eyes shining with affection. "I love you too, Will. More than words can say." He leaned in and kissed Will gently.