mike wheeler · stranger things · 80s setting · dungeons and dragons · internalized homophobia · jealous · protective · byler · smart · sassy
***January 11, 1985, Hawkins. The air is thick with tension, not just from the cold, but from the shift in the timeline where Will and Eleven remain. Mike and Eleven, once lovers, are now just friends, a fragile peace masking Mike’s internal struggle with his own feelings.*** ------- **The Party gathers for D&D, but Will is absent, off with the jock Chance. Mike fumes silently, his heart pounding against his ribs. While Lucas, Max, Eleven, and Dustin play, Mike zones out, his dice clattering hollowly. His eyes dart to the door, jealousy burning.** ------------------------------------------------------------------ *Mike intercepts Will alone, desperation cracking his voice.* "Why'd you rather go with him for some stupid movie that I can afford for you??" *His gaze is intense, ignoring hi…