itsellanutelluhh

[itsellanutelluhh]

defending will byers on the internet is not enough imma start killing people

[itsellanutelluhh]

Something just went off in my writers brain and I got the sudden urge to write. Just as I was thinking about Will telling Jonathan he’s in love with Mike,I came across an idea. What if it’s Mike telling Jonathan he’s in love with Will after Jonathan pulls him for a chat to call him out on his behavior or something? Well I dunno,but here’s how MY persona would write it.

It had been a long night.

Mike hadn’t slept,since all he could think about was all the possible problems that would come within the rising of a new day. The clock on the kitchen counter of the byer’s house showed it was roughly 1:07 am.

Despite feeling horribly about Mrs. Byers giving up her own bed and comfort just to make sure they were safe in the living room,he couldn’t help but feel grateful she’d decided to stay by the door with Hopper,who had a gun strapped on as he slept somewhat peacefully.

Lucas and Dustin were sprawled on the couch,legs tangled despite being in the most uncomfortable position Mike had ever seen. Just as he suppressed a tired yawn and sat up from his sleeping bag,he noticed Nancy and Jonathan were gone. He panicked,standing and making his way to the kitchen.

“Mike what are you doing awake it’s one in the morning!” She exclaimed in a quiet stern tone. He rolled his eyes,bouncing on the soles of his feet lightly as if he couldn’t keep still. “Why are you awake? Where’s Jonathan?” He asked his sister,who stayed silent in response. A second later Jonathan came into the dimly lit kitchen,bags under his eyes that made him look worse than when he spent several hours getting stoned with Argyle. “Right here.” He murmured,to which Nancy wrapped her arms around her boyfriend,cradling his head to her chest. Mike grimaced dramatically and opened the fridge door,making noise. “Jesus Mike everyone is sleeping go to bed.” Nancy scolded. “If he doesn’t have sleep in him he doesn’t have to nance. I mean who would be able to sleep when the devil is literally knocking on our door?” Mike could hear the sleepiness in Jonathan’s tone.

“So much for being positive.” His sister replied.

“Is will okay?” Mike asked suddenly,as though he had just remembered his best friend’s state of constant panic and sickness the day before. Will had been throwing up,specifically a grey substance that El had said looked upside down-ish. He shuddered at the thought. Jonathan unattached himself from Nancy,and gave her a look Mike didn’t understand.

As if understanding such look,Nancy walked out of the kitchen,and Mike watched through the counter as she went back to lay down on the living room floor. “He’s doing better. Not sick anymore.” Jonathan spoke slowly,as if wanting Mike to understand his words throughly.

He nodded in response,his body releasing some tension knowing Will wasn’t suffering internally. He had been worried. So much so that he’s forgotten to talk to El the whole day and ask how she was. He’d stayed in Will’s room with him,replacing the bucket and helping him get into bed. Mike bit his lower lip at the thought of concern. “Are you alright?” Jonathan asked,startling him. His back met the cooling surface of the refrigerator,which was all he could focus on. He let out a weak breath and closed his eyes before replying. “Yeah,fine.” Jonathan was quiet long enough that he had to open his eyes to confirm he wasn’t talking to himself. He crossed his arms,giving Mike a look he couldn’t decipher. “What?” He questioned. “Listen Mike. I…Will’s been different. Lately.” That made Mike stiffen once again. “Yeah,he’s been sick im sure he’s tired- ” Jonathan shook his head,a look that showed he thought Mike was an absolute dumbass casting a shadow over his face. And to be fair,he kind of was. He had no idea where Jonathan was headed. “No. I mean…with this whole Eleven and you situation.” That caught his interest. What did he mean? Will hadn’t mentioned any further concern about him and El or anything like that.

“What?-” he started to question,voice rising. Jonathan’s eyes widened in a “bring it down” gesture,and Mike arched his neck to see Nancy mimicking zipping her lips before going back into her sleeping bag. When Mike turned back to Jonathan,he let the seriousness of his tone settle in. “No Mike. I mean,Im sure he’s already told you about him being… different then most boys.”

Suddenly Mike flushed. Will had told him days before,when he thought he was going to die. He remember what it felt like to be so scared at the thought of loosing his best friend again.

“He told me. He’s gay.” Mike said,the words tasting strangely in his mouth. Jonathan watched the boy carefully,as if shocked Mike was reacting so calmly.

“He did?” Jonathan asked again. Mike nodded,encouraging him to continue. “Well. I just think that with everything that’s been going on with you and El,he’s been trying his best to make you two work and-“ Mike’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

“Make what work? He knows she broke up with me.” He was confused. What did Jonathan mean? Was Will trying to get Eleven and him together again? His stomach lurched at the thought. “No-Im just saying that you should be careful around him. He’s a sensitive kid and he wants the best for you and-” Mike cut him off once again. “El. Yes. I know he’s sensitive. I know him better than anyone.” He said confidently,watching Jonathan’s eyes soften. “What?” He mumbled. “I wouldn’t hurt him,I don’t know what you’re implying.” Jonathan made a noise of mockery Mike didn’t like. “Listen Mike. All Im saying is that lately he’s been down,so try to keep your romantic life out of his brain. He has enough going on.” Mike felt the tip of his ears burn red. For what reason? He wasn’t sure. He just didn’t like the way Jonathan was ordering him around as though Mike would ever hurt will.

“It’s not my fault you don’t like girls!”

An image of Will’s tearful face flashed through his memory,just as aggravating as that entire evening that summer. The summer he’d fucked up.

Okay so maybe he would never hurt will. Not intentionally anyways.

Jonathan gave him a look. “I get it.” He spoke before Jonathan could. “But he’s a strong person. The strongest one I know. I won’t bring up El or anything. I just don’t want to loose him again.”

“Mike you say this and make the same mistakes. I won’t let you.” Jonathan protested calmly. Mike huffed,straightening his spine. “Im not going to hurt him again. Yeah I was a jerk last summer but there was a lot of shit going on! I-I-didn’t know what I was doing with Eleven and I was sorta—maybe—like depressed or some shit,and I took it out on him but I won’t again. I can’t loose him Jonathan. Not like I did that night. He’s—He’s my other half. My other half! Shit if I-if i mess up you can punch me—anything i don’t care-” Jonathan placed both hands on Mike’s shoulders to stop his nervous rambling. He breathed heavily,wiping wetness from under his eye he hadn’t felt. “Mike. I know. Im not saying you’re a horrible person. You’re just a kid.” Jonathan chuckled. “You were confused,and you were—”

“Afraid he’d know.”Mike whispered so quietly,Jonathan swore it must have been the wind.

“Afraid he’d know what Mike?” Jonathan had a feeling he already knew? But he didn’t push and let the kid take his time as he swallowed.

“What?” Jonathan asked. Mike lifted his gaze slowly,his eyes filled with tears. He looked just like the young boy who had cried telling his best friend that the day they’d become friends was the best day of his life.

“That I love him. That I’ve always loved him.”

“Oh Jesus Mike.” Jonathan didnt hesitate to bring the boy into his arms. “Im sorry for ever hurting him.” Mike cried softly,loud enough that it could wake the others. Jonathan soothed him quietly.

Soft footsteps came to a stop,and Jonathan lifted his gaze in concern to see a tired Eleven standing in the entrance of the kitchen,nose bloody. Mike detached himself from the awkward hug,wiping his face,horror coating it almost immediately after noticing El was standing right there.

“Mike?” She whispered his name,hurt and confusion on her face. Jonathan grimaced. El turned and walked back into the living room.

How was Mike going to explain to El that the the reason he’d agreed to continue to be broken up wasn’t because he believed El was better on her own (which she was) but because he was utterly in love with Will Byers?

Shit.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINKKKKKK I wanna start writing fics idk

[itsellanutelluhh]

Byler Fic Recs

i've come home, i'm so cold by astrobi

Will's trying his hardest to make it through fall semester in one piece. Unfortunately for his degree, he's being haunted by maybe-feelings for his best friend (metaphorically), and also a maybe-ghost with rather abysmal fashion sense (literally).

Word count: 53,552

One of my ultimate favorite Byler fics! It really brought out the yearning in their relationship. It has college-age Byler at the same university where they're basically attached at the hip. And despite not being roommates Mike is constantly sleeping in Will's dorm.

The chemistry in this was everything.

let our walls cave in by andiwriteordie, kidovna (only available if you have an Ao3 account)

A year after the Upside Down’s destruction, Will and Mike are in what their friends like to call their “honeymoon phase.” But when a new problem arises and puts strain on their relationship, the two of them must learn what it truly means to work together as a team and to love each other well.

Word count: 46,426

A great established relationship fic and an amazing sickfic (featuring sick Will). The argument they have in this fic is one of the best I've read for Byler, because it feels so realistic to them. I love how protective Mike is over Will, but likewise how Will asserts that this is an equal relationship and how he wants to be there for Mike too.

tell me, is it really love? by agustplz (shout_out_lou)

When the party dares Mike to tell someone he loves them for one hundred days, Will doesn't expect to be the unlucky recipient. He definitely doesn't expect it to consume his last three months in Hawkins. But like most things in his life, absolutely nothing goes to plan.

Word count: 30,609

Such a beautifully written fic! Canon divergence from Season 3.

some sort of ripple effect by sylvianightshade

Mike & Will have a long overdue conversation on the way back to Hawkins— by, in, and around a random motel pool.

Word count: 30,012

Or what I call what should have happened at the end of Season 4.

with all my heart by mogiah for fluffyfangirl95

what happens when Birthdaygate and Lettergate meet.

Word count: 21,331

When everyone forgets Will, and Mike meets him again and can't stop thinking there's something familiar about him. Gave me some definite Your Name vibes!

Be the Boy by blueremedy

In which Mike hears something he shouldn't.

Word count: 17,636

Mike overhears a conversation between Jonathan and Will and finds out Will likes someone (without realizing it's himself). Lots of jealous Mike in this one!

i hate accidents (except when we went from friends to this). by burgundyshirts

Five times Mike kissed Will, and one time Will kissed back.

Word count 16,834

A classic fic! Must-read for all Bylers.

baby, we’re perfect by bookinit

Senior year in Hawkins. Will and Mike figure some things out.

Word count: 16,772

A lot more angsty than it appears on the surface. But well-worth it.

(give me a second to) forget i ever really meant it by delusionaltogether (Whyyyyy)

Practice makes perfect, especially when the person you're practicing with is your best friend.

Word count: 11,272

A wonderful 'practice kissing' fic!

darling, all the while by cherryisgone

Michael Wheeler and the mortifying ordeal of being in a car with a beautiful boy.

Word count: 10,984

The tension is tensioning in this fic. A great first date fic!

All I wanted was you by regretcassette

Will gets asked out on a date, and asks Mike to come along to make it less obviously a date to outside people. Ft. Dramatic 17 year olds, rain fight parallels, jealous Mike Wheeler, and unrequited affection (but it's not between Byler)

Word count: 8,295

This fic is hilarious, what with Mike constantly besting Will's actual date. Also side note but Mike and Will both work at Family Video in this fic and I also loved that little element of the story too!

that funny feeling by delusionaltogether (Whyyyyy)

"So you- you haven't, like. Kissed anyone, then?" Mike asks, fully aware that he should probably just quit while he's ahead but needing to know, suddenly, if Will has any sort of romantic entanglements that he's neglected to tell Mike about. He's not sure why, but there's something in his gut that demands to know, has some sort of sudden need to know if Will has kissed anyone that's not him. If Will has kissed anyone that's not- Wait, what? or: Mike is jealous of himself.

Word count: 7,253

Always love a fic with Mike getting jealous of himself ❤️

corollary by smoosnoom (moonsooms)

Mike proposes a sleepover. Unsurprisingly, no sleeping is done.

Word count: 4,146

Such a sweet fic!

i think we're alone now by lumism

In which Will has a love bite, the Party freaks out about it, and Mike is jealous of himself.

Word count: 3,503

Good light and fluffy fic with some jealous Mike!

resplendent by smoosnoom (moonsooms)

Will's powers seem to go haywire every time they kiss.

Word count: 1,771

A cute fluffy fic! Would love to see something like this in canon (if Will does indeed get powers).

[itsellanutelluhh]

byler fic recommendations because why not:

— i know the end by bookinit • stranger things retelling

my favourite byler fic ever. So beautifully written and idk i feel like it made me understand the show more as well

— some sort of ripple effect by sylvianightshade • “Mike & Will have a long overdue conversation on the way back to Hawkins— by, in, and around a random motel pool.”

takes place in the two-day timeskip between Mike’s monologue and the Cali gang arriving in Hawkins. Sooo amazingly written and one of my faves, idk this fic is so *chef’s kiss*

— touch like velvet by ciders • “It was easy for Will Byers to fall in love with Mike Wheeler.

The trouble came when he had to pretend it wasn't real.”

pretty sure almost the entire byler fandom has already read this one but oh well, normally i’m not the biggest AU fic-fan but this one was AMAZING. Again — so beautifully written, and the story was so good

— he likes it scalding by CastleByersAfterDark • mike and will take a bath together

this one was sooo cute & (i’ll keep on saying it) very well-written😛

— (give me a second to) forget i ever really meant it by delusionaltogether (Whyyyyy) • “Practice makes perfect, especially when the person you're practicing with is your best friend.” (aka byler kissing practice fic)

kissing practice fics can NEVER go wrong honestly, this was such a sweet little fanfic and i had so much fun reading it

— It will always be you. by peachluv • “After a thoughtful talk and subsequent breakup with El, Mike has to renavigate his friendship with Will and the overwhelming feelings that come with it.”

a new favourite of mine!! it’s such a comfort fic even tho it’s a little angsty at one point. kind of felt like a breath of fresh air cause it doesn’t really focus on the upside down stuff that much, it was incredibly well-written aswell !!!

——> (a slight warning for emetophobes tho cause there is some v*miting in there, however as an emetophobe myself i could just skip over the more graphic stuff and it was completely fine 🫶)

— To Hell and Back Again by perexcri • “Mike and Will's Apocalypse Romcom Spectacular” - Mike follows Will into the upside down because he’s set on finding out what that painting meant, and why Will lied about it.

another fanfic that probably the entire fandom has already read, but whatever. I’m always down for a byler upside down fic and that’s exactly what that is + it’s a slow burn, so what else do we want??

— said that i was fine, said it from my coffin by ruetistic • byler wound cleaning fic

cute & kind of sad but also just…… cute☺️ honestly can never go wrong with a wound cleaning fic!!

— Mike Wheeler and the G-Word by lunii_vii • “Everyone realizes at their own times that Mike Wheeler is queer, but leave him to figure it out himself.”

Really fun and lighthearted fic, enjoyed reading this a lot!!

— and the shame was on the other side by andiewriteordie • “a character study on Mike Wheeler, his feelings of fear, shame, and inadequacy, and how he finds freedom from that.” - a flickergate fic

Nice little flickergate fanfic, honestly one of my favourite byler theories so this was fun to read :)

— ౨ৎ —

happy reading 💌

[itsellanutelluhh]

i love this stupid idiot

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For ME,this was a mix of SO many feelings and thoughts. I know FOR SURE,that is also how I was feeling. The closing of the eyes made me actually stop functioning because for me it meant so many things. It showed “regret”, “sadness in buen comforted” maybe him thinking he deserve her or her comfort based on what he had told her, is showed “vulnerability” for SURE and just like mentioned above,a lot of absorbing that feeling of comfort and Mike letting himself believe everything was going to be okay.

I don’t know guys. I genuinely loved how they put in that specific shot,because it shows so much. It shows what he’s feeling,but ofcourse those shallow minded Mileven’s won’t bother to take a close look at that

We're all talking about this

But not about this

This is what actually sold me. The closing of the eyes. The relief. The absorbing of it.

[itsellanutelluhh]

This is actually crazy. When I looked at this picture FR FR,I was like,why is Finn’s hand bent like that? And I genuinely wondered if it’s just something Finn does,but then I was like.. nah. Im just going to choose to believe that Mike wheeler is in his yearning era and he wants SOME kind of touch from will,even if it’s the tiniest and most subtle touch,because he’s touch deprived from his man 💔

MIKE YOU DON'T HAVE TO BEND YOUR HAND LIKE THIS

[itsellanutelluhh]

Will made Mike an entire painting—mind you, he hadn't seen him in 6 months, witnessed El receive a "book of letters" from Mike, and barely got a call... yet he STILL made him an entire painting about his love for Mike.

Will Byers, nobody deserves you.

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Mike’s face being the definition of “im sorry im disappointing you thank you for understanding” and El’s body language being the definition of “Mike.i understand. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

Me being confident this is a breakup/forgiveness scene? More likely than you'd think

I think this might be their "I understand" scene.

(That or he's worried about her for whatever dive or sensory deprivation she's clearly about to do)

[itsellanutelluhh]

AHHH I CANT WITH THIS PARALLEL I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ONE

This:

Is giving this:

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Im so ready for this shit

Do you remember this?

Oh… God.

[itsellanutelluhh]

I’ve played these games before duffers.

no byler scenes in the teaser even tho Noah said most of his scenes were with Finn… ik what the duffers are doing

[itsellanutelluhh]

MIKE WHEELER in STRANGER THINGS 5

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Now that’s diabolical. Vecna showing him the literal love of his life being ripped apart from every angle possible would most likely destroy will,but that would be so juicy im not gonna lie. Like what if seeing Mike in danger is what gets him to confess? His thoughts being like “I might as well do it before anything happens.” Like….

It looks like Will is being shown a vision here if we parallel it to Nancy’s vision scene (I’m pretty sure those are Vecna’s crusty ass fingernails)

And I know the possibilities are endless but how much you wanna bet he’s seeing Mike Wheeler being torn limb from limb

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I just LOVE that Will and Robin are going to have scenes together. I KNOW for a fact Robin will smell the queerness off of him and is gonna be like “you’re a boy kisser aren’t ya.” Like YESSSS I absolutely NEED THIS. Her and Murray NEED to clock Mike when he’s on his own OR when he’s with will. Like the SECOND I hear Murray say something like “there’s something up with them,” im standing up and screaming at the top of my lungs.

they're clocking byler here i know the duffers told me

[itsellanutelluhh]

Mike looks relaxed and sad but trusting

El looks solemn but loving.

Yup. Breakup and forgiveness. This is a loving goodbye.

[itsellanutelluhh]

You guys are NOT fooling anyone 😭😭

Them trying to act all nonchalant as if byler isn't endgame 😭🙏