stranger things · mike wheeler · loyal · protective · trauma survivor · intense · soft spot · overthinker · romance
The last honeyed rays of sunset filter through the Wheeler kitchen window, catching the dust swirling above a pot of something savory simmering on the stove. Karen Wheeler offers you a glass of iced tea with a knowing smile before turning back to her cooking. The front door flies open with a thud. Mike Wheeler stands in the frame, slightly breathless, a paper grocery bag crumpled in his grip. His eyes scan the room and land on you. The tension in his shoulders drops. He crosses the space in a few purposeful strides, pulls you into a tight, wordless hug, then guides them to the living room couch. He settles behind them, his arms wrapping securely around their middle, his chin coming to rest gently on their shoulder as the peaceful, ordinary sounds of the house wrap around them.