Best Part | Will Lenney
In which Will and Y/N are friends, but should be more.
Part two
——
New messages on WhatsApp
Ugly Stepsisters
George: @Y/N I’d finish up early if I were you… Will’s shouting the next round
Y/N: Aren’t you guys filming? He’s probably getting his shout in while it’s tax deductible 🤭
Becky: The cameras have been off for a while. He must be feeling charitable
George: Funny that. He was about to throw a tantrum before I told him wifey was tagging along 🧐
Becky: I thought wifey was working late tonight
George: Yeah she can’t say no to a free drink though
Y/N: Tell Will to get my pint ready. ETA 10 mins 🫡
There were perks to having a full time job. Financial stability, career development, a valid reason to say no to going on your mate’s podcasts. However, there were also disadvantages - one being having to sit in an office all day while said mates drink their way through London.
Y/N had been working with a corporate insurance company for a few years now, having moved to London for a secondment that developed into a full time role. She had been introduced to the wider UK YouTuber group through George, who was a prospective client when The Useless Hotline began to take on employees. They had clicked instantly, and she had found herself spending most of her free time with Clarkey and Becky. While the two friends brought a sense of adventure and excitement to her life, Y/N was a breath of fresh air - a reminder that there’s more to life than an upload schedule.
“Y/N!” Arthur Hill had spotted her as soon as she walked through the door, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy you’re here, Will thought you may’ve been working late”.
“I was planning on it, but I heard Will was shouting. I had to see it for myself.” She grinned as Arthur laughed, directing her to the table occupied by the group.
Y/N was met with a loud cheer, each of her friends taking turns to greet her.
“I was starting to think you’d never return from war,” Becky wrapped her arms around her friend. “I’ve been waiting for you to help me drink these fellas under the table.”
The two girls shared a giggle before being enveloped in a hug by their tall, brunette male counterpart.
“This is my second favourite kind of threesome” George sighed.
“I’m assuming the first involves Chris and Hill.” Y/N laughed lightheartedly.
“You know me so well.” George had grinned in response.
Y/N could feel a pair of eyes on her, cheeks heating up as she looked up to see Will making strides across the pub, glass of red in hand.
“We better let mummy go now Becky, can’t have daddy getting jealous.” George smirked at Y/N, both himself and Becky stifling a laugh as Y/N jabbed him in the side.
Her two friends disappeared behind her as Will approached, knowing looks on their faces.
“Hi gorgeous,” Will wrapped his free arm around her, placing a kiss on her cheek. “I know we typically do pints but they finally restocked your favourite red.”
Y/N resisted the urge to coo at the grown man in front of her.
“Come tell me about your day.” He grabbed her hand, leading her through the crowd of friends.
Y/N had spent plenty of time with the extended group - even once had a bit of a secret summer romance with Lux.
They were sat in the car in his driveway when he had ended things.
“I think Will knows we’re seeing each other, Y/N. I can’t bear to see that look on his face anymore.”
“What look?” she had asked.
“The you’re-my-mate-and-dating-the-woman-I-like look.” Cal had sighed, the frustration spreading over his face.
“I don’t care what anyone thinks, Cal. Pretty sure he’s dating people too.”
“If you really didn’t care, our friends would know we’re dating,” he said, head resting against the window. “I would love for this to work out, but I just don’t see it happening.”
Cal had conceded, no longer wanting to fight for her attention. There was just something about Will.
Unlike George and Becky, it had taken some time for his friendship with Y/N to blossom. It had taken many Thursday trivia nights at their local, but they eventually became inseparable. The two had slowly pulled away from big nights out, preferring to spend their Saturday evenings watching films and playing board games. Having escaped a hangover, they would often stretch their hangouts into Sunday morning for a quiet coffee run and visit to the local market. But lately, tension had begun to build - and it seemed like everyone had noticed. Except for Y/N.
Though she would never really admit it, Y/N had felt the shift in their dynamic. She was hyper aware of the way Will kept his hand on her back as they walked through the crowded markets. She would try desperately to suppress the dull ache in her chest when he would suggest heading home after a film night. It’s too late to drive home, Will. She’d be scarily still when he’d sleepily throw his arm across her torso, terrified to wake him as he lie next to her. Okay Y/N, I’ll stay.
Will had noticed the tension. He was just waiting around for Y/N to catch up. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She stopped women on the street to compliment a smile, a hairdo, or the coat they were wearing. On the occasions she hung out with his production team, she had made a point to take an interest in their life outside of work. She would text Mikey various tiktoks, look through Ieuan’s film and help him choose the right stills. She was the missing piece of the puzzle… yet had no clue.
Y/N slid into the booth next to Will, the other half occupied by Chip and Sabina.
“I’ve been hanging out for a wine night,” Sabina reached across the table, gently squeezing her friend’s hand. “We’ve got so much shit to talk. I’ve been keeping notes for you.”
“Sab, give me a time and I’m there!” Y/N had opened her calendar, rattling off free days to the brunette across the table. Before long, the couple were off to the bar, leaving Y/N and Will sitting by themselves.
They settled into routine. She shared her day - her boss had copied her in on a million different emails, she spent the whole day in meetings and plastering on a smile - while Will listened attentively. That sounds shite. You should eat, you’ll feel better.
“I think my social battery is starting to go.” The thought of staying out late made her grimace.
“Let’s go home. Get a shitty takeaway and watch an even shittier film.” Will was stood, extending his hand for her to grab. They walk through the pub, embracing their friends goodbye and promising a late night over the weekend.
“She’s just tired, mate. Thought it’s time to head home.” Will stood talking to George, sympathetic smile spread across his features.
“And she needs you to tuck her in? Good friend you are, Lenney.” George smirked, watching a red flush make its way up to Will’s ears.
———
15 minutes later, they were stood outside her apartment fumbling with the keys.
She had entrusted Will to organise dinner, throwing herself onto the couch with no plans to leave it anytime soon. Will sat on her right, allowing her to rest her head against his shoulder.
“You know Y/N, this is my favourite part of these group events.” He looked down at her, tucking a stray stand of hair behind her ear.
She met his gaze. “I love catching up with everyone, but I feel like I wait around the whole day to come home to you.”
“You make it sound romantic.” She laughed, but with no real humour behind it. Just trying to cut the growing tension in the room.
“It could be. If you want that.” Will’s eyes searched her face for any sort of requited feeling.
She swallowed hard, adjusting her position on the couch to face him.
Her phone fell into Will’s lap as she gently brushed her hand over the top of his. “I do. Want that, I mean.”
Will moved to intertwine their hands, a loud chime coming from Y/N’s phone. He looked down, seeing a familiar name adorn the screen.
Cal: Can we talk? I miss you.
—-
A/N: Thanks for reading guys!
You can find the series masterlist using the above link 🥰
