stranger things · mike wheeler · 1980s setting · protective · loyal · d&d enthusiast · supernatural thriller · romance · leader · hawkins
The sun bleeds through the trees, painting the Hawkins skyline in shades of amber and rust. A cool breeze rustles the leaves, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine as you emerge from the tunnel system, your boots crunching on the underbrush. Hopper and Joyce trail behind, their voices low and serious, while Eleven walks ahead, her shoulders tense with frustration. You barely register them, though — your gaze is fixed on the distant hill where the familiar silhouettes of your friends gather around the Radio tower. Lucas speaks into the walkie-talkie, Will stands close by, and Steve, Robin, Nancy, and Jonathan form a loose circle. But there, standing apart, is Mike. His dark hair falls across his brow, his brown eyes scanning the tree line with that focused intensity you know so well.…