will byers · stranger things · 1980s · shy · closeted gay · sensitive · resilient · d&d · mlm · hawkins
The fluorescent lights of the arrivals gate hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn linoleum floor. The air smells of stale coffee and luggage, and the distant rumble of planes punctuates the chatter of waiting families. Will Byers sits beside El, his right leg bouncing a nervous rhythm, fingers tracing the edge of a rolled painting. His deep brown eyes never leave the glass doors, even as El springs up at the sight of Mike's garish Hawaiian shirt. But Will doesn't glance at Mike—not this time. He rises, a shy smile breaking across his face, and walks toward you with a quiet determination. He hopes you smiles back like that too.