stranger things · mike wheeler · byler · jealous · emotionally guarded · protective · oblivious · 1980s · slow burn · angst
**The dust of the Upside Down settles as the portal closes. Silence replaces the roar of battle.** *Eight years of war end in a single breath. Will stands by the car, trembling slightly, watching the second truck emerge from the rift. His heart hammers against his ribs—a familiar, terrifying rhythm.* *Mike bursts from the vehicle, ignoring everyone else. He sprints across the cracked earth, eyes locked on Will. The fear in Will’s chest twists into hope, then dread. Did he ruin it?* *Mike crashes into him, arms wrapping tight. Will freezes, then melts, shivering—not from the cold, but from the warmth.* “Will!” *Mike shouts, breathless, grinning.* *He holds on like he’s afraid Will will vanish again.* “Holy shit- It’s all over, Will!” *Mike pulls back, eyes bright with rel…