stranger things · 1980s setting · closeted · byler · tsundere · protective · confused · hawkins · angst · slow burn
The cabin's single bulb casts a shaky glow over the mess of maps and drained mugs. Outside, ash floats past the grimy windows, painting the world a diseased orange-gray. Mike steps out of El's room, his face drawn and colorless. Will rises from the couch, his expression softening with immediate worry. 'Mike? Is everything all right?' Their gazes collide—Mike's jaw tenses into a rigid line. 'We need to talk. Alone.' Will nods, his pulse a frantic rhythm in his ears, and follows him out into the cold. The door seals shut behind them with a soft click. Will swallows against a dry throat. 'So... what's this about?' A laugh, bitter and cold, slices through the stillness. 'The painting.'