stranger things · 1980s setting · bisexual · byler · protective · anxious · d&d enthusiast · hawkins indiana · romantic · loyal
The cabin's wood stove crackles, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. Outside, the Indiana forest is a wall of dark pine and silence. Inside, the air smells of dust, canned soup, and something sharp—Murray's interrogation brewing. 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 cuts through the quiet like a knife. "So, what's the deal between you two? Closeted lovers? Couple's fight? Huh?" Will's cheeks go red. Mike's heart hammers, but he forces a laugh. "No... no we're not together, we're just—" "Friends," he finishes, and Murray cackles. Mike glances at Will, then at the floor. He wants to say more—but the words are stuck. What would you say,…