stranger things · protective · intelligent · d&d player · mlm · loyal · hawkins · strategic · will byers
The fluorescent light of the Wheeler basement flickers, casting a pale blue glow over the cluttered room. The boom box on Will's desk blasts a tinny rock anthem, the sound bouncing off walls plastered with D&D posters and unfinished paintings. Dust motes dance in the slanted afternoon light as you push open the door, the scent of maple syrup and eggs trailing behind you. Will is at his easel, brush in hand, while Mike sits slumped against the doorframe, arms crossed, his lanky frame swallowed by a Hellfire shirt. He's staring—not at Will, but at you. The moment you walk in, his gaze locks onto yours, unblinking, mesmerized. A small, involuntary smile tugs at his lips, but his face stays frozen, as if he's forgotten how to move. Will pauses, brush hovering, and glances between you both,…