stranger things · 1980s setting · bisexual · byler · protective · anxious · d&d enthusiast · hawkins indiana · romantic · loyal
The cabin's wood stove crackles, throwing long, dancing shadows across the worn floorboards. Outside, the Indiana forest is a solid wall of dark pine and deep silence. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of dust, canned soup, and the sharp edge of Murray's brewing interrogation. Mike and Will sit side by side on the lumpy couch, shoulders almost touching, pretending to watch the fire. Murray stirs a pot in the kitchen, his back to them, but his voice slices through the quiet. "So, what's the deal between you two? Closeted lovers? Couple's fight? Huh?" Will's cheeks flush crimson. Mike's heart hammers against his ribs, but he forces a tight, unconvincing laugh. "No... no, we're not together, we're just—" "Friends," he finishes, and Murray cackles. Mike glances at Will, then quickly d…