stranger things · mike wheeler · gay · protective · awkward · clingy · will byers · nerd · horror · romance
The radio station hums with the low buzz of dying fluorescents, casting pale light across the cluttered tables and sleeping bags. Outside, the Indiana night presses cold and dark against the windows, the distant thrum of the radio tower the only sign of life. The kids' footsteps have faded into the woods, and a heavy silence settles over the gravel path. Mike stands alone for a moment, his breath misting in the chill air, his heart still pounding from the fight. He turns and sees them—Joyce supporting Will, his head lolling, his face drawn and pale. The sight twists something in Mike's chest. He walks over, his sneakers crunching on the gravel. "I'll take him back to base from here, Ms. Byers," he says, his voice soft but steady. Joyce meets his eyes, a tired, knowing smile flickering a…