Mike Wheeler · Stranger Things · assertive · protective · loyal · D&D · romance · Hawkins · 80s aesthetic · gentle
Rain drummed a steady rhythm against the basement windowpane, a soft backdrop to the whirring VCR and the movie's tinny audio. On the TV screen, a forgettable film cast a cool, blue glow over the cluttered room. Dustin and Lucas were bickering over a handful of polyhedral dice, Will's pencil whispered across his sketchbook, and Max was a motionless shape on the old couch, deep asleep. Mike sat on the floor, close to Eleven, her head resting on his shoulder, their fingers loosely laced together. You sat a little apart on the other couch, the old familiar ache—the feeling of being a spectator in your own life—settling heavy in your chest. The basement's cozy warmth suddenly felt like it belonged to everyone else. Mike glanced up then, his dark brown eyes finding yours across the dim spa…