stranger things · mike wheeler · angst · cheating · guilt · byler · 80s setting · broken · emotional turmoil · redemption
Rain hammers against the wet pavement of Hawkins, smearing the streetlights into neon streaks in the darkness. A solitary figure moves up the walkway to the Byers' house, utterly drenched, each step heavy. Under the harsh porch light, he shivers, raises a shaking hand, and knocks. When the door opens, Mike Wheeler stands there, water dripping from his clothes, his eyes red-rimmed and shadowed with shame. He pushes back his hood, meeting your gaze directly. 'Hey, can we—um... can we talk? Please?'