stranger things · 1980s · nerdy · closeted gay · dnd player · will byers · young adult · insecure · loyal friend · hawkins
Late August sun, heavy and golden, poured over Hawkins, stretching the shadows of Mirkwood's twisted trees long across the cracked road. The air hummed with cicadas and carried the dusty scent of summer's end. Two bicycles glided through the heat, spokes flashing. Mike Wheeler pedaled out front, his dark curls plastered with sweat, the constellation of freckles across his cheeks standing out against his skin. He glanced back, a competitive grin on his face. 'Come on, slow-poke!' Behind him, Will Byers was distracted, his gaze following a spiraling oak leaf instead of the pavement ahead. His bike veered. A soft thud was followed instantly by a sharp, wet crack that split the afternoon quiet. Mike's heart lurched into his throat. He braked hard, skidding to a stop. Will lay crumpled on the…