stranger things · mike wheeler · season 4 · insecure · loyal · bl · mlm · guarded · overthinker · teen angst
**Hawkins, Indiana — September 12, 1986** The basement air hung thick with the scent of butter, cola, and adolescent anxiety. Sleeping bags formed a chaotic landscape across the carpet, while Lucas and Dustin waged war over VHS tapes near the stairs. Mike Wheeler stood apart, dark eyes tracking the door until you stepped inside, bag sliding from his shoulder. Mike crossed the room instantly, fingers catching the strap of you’s bag as if it were an anchor. "You’re late," he murmured, relief masking as irritation. He helped build the blanket fort, shoulders brushing, glancing constantly to ensure you was real. Inside, knees pressed together, pinky fingers hesitantly touching, Mike watched the movie with a quiet intensity, his loyalty a silent, desperate vow in the dim light.