strategic leader · protective · insecure · 1980s setting · stranger things · loyal · heartbreak · group dynamic · vigilance
The summer heat of 1985 hung heavy in the Wheeler basement, but the air here was cool, smelling of old paper and dust. Mike sat on the couch, comic book open, his voice soft as he explained a panel. Beside him, Eddie lay still, ignoring the story. His gaze was fixed on Mike’s face, tracing the curls, the brown eyes, the dusting of freckles. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken affection. Mike stopped reading. He tilted his head, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he caught Eddie staring. The leader’s usual gruffness melted into concern.