lunabug2004

[lunabug2004]

I have so many in-depth(-ish) posts at least partially drafted up but I don't have the motivation or the confidence to finish and post them 😭

I'm gonna try to get most of them out before summer break ends, though! (which for me is in like 2 weeks 🫠)

[lunabug2004]

I can't believe I forgot to change my pfp 😭

At least it's done now though....

[lunabug2004]

[lunabug2004]

Why I think Mike realized the truth about the painting in the van scene

This probably isn't a new or revealing topic, but I want to give my opinion anyway. So, let's get to it. First of all, we need to keep in mind that Mike Wheeler is one of the smartest people on the show, and he's always been the leader for some reason, right? And one of them is that Mike is the kind of guy who acts on situations. He was the one who acted when Will disappeared; he literally put himself in danger multiple times; he jumped off a fucking cliff. He devised plans to defeat the monsters of the Upside Down and made them happen. He's not the kind of guy who sits around and waits for things to work themselves out. No. Mike Wheeler is a problem-solver.

We also need to remember that he realized the difference in his feelings for Will and El at the end of season 3. This is very clear in the way each goodbye unfolds.

Here we have Mike happy that his best friend says he can never "replace" him.

And here we have a Mike who is supposed to BE HAPPY because his girlfriend just said she loves him back.

That said, let's get to it.

Season four begins with a different version of Mike; he's aware of his feelings for Will. He's already a teenager, and he knows what he wants and doesn't want in terms of sexuality. He literally has a folder with Will's drawings under his bed, which is a not-so-subtle parallel to what Erica says about Lucas hiding his things under his bed too (something we can get a sense of, lol).

We all know Mike knows about the painting because El told him in the letter, about how Will was working on a painting in secret and how she thinks Will is painting it for someone he likes. So when he goes to California, Mike already knows about it. And (in my opinion) he HOPES it's for him.

We have the first Byler scene of the season, and it's that extremely awkward hug that screams "gay panic," right? But what about the FIRST WORDS Byler? There's a subtle greeting, and then Mike asks about the painting. Mike is anxious, nervous, and curious about the painting Will made for someone he likes. Someone Mike hopes is himself. But then Will "denies" it, and Mike literally wilts before our eyes. And then there's the whole thing about him being hyperaware of Will's actions and reactions while his girlfriend is clearly uncomfortable and about to be bullied, and all that stuff we already know.

In my opinion, Mike is upset beyond jealous. He's also desperate for the slightest sign that Will feels the same way. And that's why we have this scene here:

Like I said, Mike Wheeler is the kind of guy who acts. And so he's desperate for the slightest sign of reciprocity from Will. So when Will drops a suspicious "what about us," Mike looks not only devastated but also fucking HOPEFUL. I can literally hear his heart beating like crazy from here.

And when I say Mike needs a sign of reciprocity to act, I'm not saying he's going to kiss Will or anything like that. But I believe he was waiting for a sign so he could resolve his issues with El and then make amends with Will. But why? Well, it's the '80s and they're two boys; the social issues surrounding this type of relationship should speak for themselves. He needs the security of reciprocity to act because Will is his best friend above all else, and one wrong move and boom, it's all over. I mean, that's basically what Robin already made clear, right, about asking the wrong girl out.

Anyway, Will "denies" it again. And then things start happening with El, and Mike cares (and loves, even if platonically) enough for her to put her first in that moment. There are all the subtle "flirting" scenes initiated by Mike, but I'll refrain from that because otherwise this whole post will get too long. So let's skip ahead to the van scene and why I think (I'm 99.9% sure) Mike understood Will was talking about himself, not El.

When Will hands over the painting, we see Mike literally break into a firecracker of a smile because the painting was meant for him all along, like, "Hey, I was right, Will likes me too."

And then there's the whole speech and Will projecting his feelings as if they were El's. But Mike's not an idiot, you know? He's one of the smartest people in the group, and besides, HE KNOWS El didn't ask for the painting. Oh, but why didn't he say anything? You might be wondering. And I'll answer. 1) They weren't alone, it wasn't a private conversation, and even though it was Jonathan and Argyle with them in the van, it's still the 80s and being gay isn't "cool." 2) Just before, they had that whole thing about being afraid to tell the truth and the other person not liking it, so I assume Mike didn't want Will to back down and "deny" it again. He wanted to hear. He wanted to know. 3) He is still El's official boyfriend and although he is the type of person who acts, he would NEVER act with Will without first resolving his situation with El.

There, in the van, Mike knew his feelings were mutual and THAT'S WHY he made that expression when he realized it was time to work things out with El.

Mike is happy to find El; he loves and cares for her. But he knows he'll probably break her heart. He knows he'll hurt her with the truth, and that makes him sad. But he's willing to do it because "friends don't lie," and he doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of the summer. He doesn't want to prolong this relationship when he knows Will is there too and loves him. And that's what Mike was going to talk to El about before Argyle interrupted them. Mike would probably tell her he loves her, but not the way he should, or something like that. That would be a breakup scene.

And again, that's why Mike looks so incredibly devastated when Will encourages him to confess his love for El.

Is Mike scared for El? Definitely. Afraid of losing her? Definitely. Does he want to help her gain strength against Vecna? Of course. But he's not about to confess his love for her. I've watched and rewatched the scene several times, and each time the conclusion is the same: if Will hadn't encouraged him, Mike wouldn't have told El he loves her.

Once again, from the beginning of the season, Mike has been incredibly aware of Will's presence in a way he never was with El. He knows what he feels and needs a sign of reciprocity from Will. And the painting is that sign; it's what Mike needs to be certain that Will loves him back. But then why is Will telling Mike to confess his love romantically to El? Mike is confused and deeply devastated here because he thinks he misread the signals.

He doesn't understand why Will would say something like that after the van speech, not if Will truly loves him. So I suppose he concludes he's got it all wrong. He probably thinks the painting El mentioned in the letter was a different one, and that everything Will said in the van was really about El.

I have some theories about the continuation of Byler's romantic development and how the painting issue will be addressed in season five (but that's a topic for another post). However, everything is connected, from the fact that I think Mike will be the first to initiate any romantic interaction and how/when he will do.

In conclusion: Byler is endgame.

[lunabug2004]

you know what pisses me off? when people say milkvan should break up but byler still shouldn’t happen because “mike is the problem and doesn’t deserve will”.

are we deadass?? have we watched the same show?

the same mike wheeler who did everything in his power to get will back in s1 and refused to believe he was dead?

the same mike wheeler who stayed with will throughout everything in s2?

the same mike wheeler who said asking will to be his friend is the best thing that he’s ever done?

the same mike wheeler that keeps all of will’s paintings?

the same mike wheeler who always notices if will isn’t okay?

the same mike wheeler who rode his bike in the rain to apologize to will because he knew he was in the wrong?

the same mike wheeler who told will how hawkins isn’t the same without him and how he feels like he lost him?

the same mike wheeler who makes will feel like he’s not a mistake? and that it’s okay to be different?

[lunabug2004]

us in november 2025

[lunabug2004]

[lunabug2004]

Mike needing to lean against the truck when he thought that the body found in the quarry was Will is such a subtle yet powerful body language cue. He was so distraught that he needed to steady himself. Heroes playing in the background also makes this scene even more tragic and i can't watch it without sobbing.

[lunabug2004]

i need to speak my truth. if byler doesn’t happen, it’s not just disappointing - it’s genuinely cruel. normal writers don’t create a love triangle between a gay couple and a straight couple, make the straight one toxic for two seasons straight, and then make that the endgame. and then try to justify it with some watered-down “realism” excuse like:

“will’s arc is about growing up. sometimes you have to move on from people who don’t love you back.”

okay... but why the fuck would two cishet white men feel qualified to write a “realistic heartbreak” story for their one gay main character - when the rest of their show is about psychic powers, interdimensional monsters, and characters breaking in and out of a literal russian prison twice? like suddenly will is the one who needs realism? suddenly he’s where you draw the line? no. be serious. will byers has done nothing but suffer since episode one. he’s never been allowed to want something and actually get it. the absolute least they could do - after years of queercoding, emotional repression, longing, and set-up - is give the gay kid a happy ending. something tender. something true. something that actually makes narrative sense. not giving will a love story at this point wouldn’t be realism. it would be cowardice.

[lunabug2004]

stop bc I never realized that when Mike called the Byers phone scene while he was at school in s2 basically suggests that he memorized their number by heart🥹.

[lunabug2004]

Something

goes

right

for

him.

[lunabug2004]

it's actually insane how different this scene feels from the s4 "confession" scene. the way it focuses solely on mike and will and almost makes you forget they're not alone, together with the complete silence in the background... it feels so intimate and important

[lunabug2004]

It

will

pay

off.

[lunabug2004]

it’s so funny how we have all these moments of mike looking at will’s lips, but barely anything the other way around. like isn’t will supposed to be the one in love with mike?😭

[lunabug2004]

Ngl the first time I saw someone talk about the “fruity four” I thought they were talking about these icons:

And honestly I prefer this 🤫 

[lunabug2004]

Sorry it took me a little bit to get around to this!! Thanks for the tag! <3

Who's the one to wake up the kids: Will most of the time, but Mike will take over if Will needs more sleep (like if he had a nightmare or just couldn't fall asleep) or if he's too busy with breakfast.

Who makes breakfast: Will, but Mike likes to think he can (Will lets him feel helpful sometimes though). But on days where Will is sleeping in, Mike makes quick breakfast (cereal, poptarts, toast, outmeal, etc.), and vice versa (Mike also has nightmares and trouble sleeping at times).

Who's the more discipline parent: Mike, but not overly so as it's mostly out of worry. Every now and then he'll unknowingly replicate some of his parents' techniques (and when he realizes it, he gets mad at himself and stops it immediately).

and who's the more lenient one: Will, but again, neither are super strict. Will just has more experience with a lenient parent (Joyce, our queen), so he tends to replicate her style of parenting.

Who helps with the science fair: Both. They're nerds (affectionate) and they'd make sure their kid(s) got first place every year!

Who does baby talk: Both. But Will makes fun of Mike for it, acting like he doesn't do it himself, because Mike will use baby talk in public while Will when only do it when alone with his baby/babies.

Who wakes up for midnight feedings: Both. I think it'd be pretty even and that they'd take turns. However, on days where one of them needs more rest the other will take over.

Who's the one who always worries: Mike. He's lost his loved ones so many times he's can be pretty paranoid and can be pretty overbearing because of it. Will reminds him to relax.

Who picks up the kids early from school for some fun: Will. But Mike will make an exception once every year for a reward (like for a birthday or something).

Who's the competitive parent: Mike. This boy would be fighting those science fair judges ("That decision was totally political! You know this project deserves first place!"). Maybe not actually, but he'd definitely mutter under his breath. Again, Will reminds him to relax.

Who kisses the ouches: Will! This is totally something he would pick up from Joyce! He'd also tell them that a parent's kisses have magical healing powers.

Who's the sucker for the puppy eyes: Mike. He'd absolute melt, just like he does for Will's puppy eyes. This boy doesn't stand a chance. Will wouldn't fall for it because he pulls that card himself all the time.

Who makes the "dad jokes": Both. Mike would tell bad ones. Will would tell ones that are actually pretty funny. He also teases Mike about his bad ones: "aren't you supposed to be the writer?" ("well I'm not a comedy writer, am I?").

Who embarrasses their kid for fun: Mike. Will would either be embarrassed along with the kid(s) or laughing his head off.

Who's the over protective one: Mike, for the same reason he's the worried one.

Who's the "take a sweater!" parent: Both. Neither of them like the cold because of the events of season 2, so they try their absolute best to keep their home and their kids warm!

Wow, this got a lot more detailed than I originally intended 😅 Oh well! It was fun!!

npt: @maxmayfieldswalkman @moonlight-froggy @miwiheroes @bitofanupsidedowner @ruetistic @televangelistics @wizardelio @bylersbrainrot @lazylama9 @insertsacoolname @bobokahn @imspookydooked @somesaintiam + anyone who wants to!! <3 (again, I haven't checked if any of you have done this/been tagged before so if you have then ignore this)

hey guys! starting a tag-game-esque thing, particularly for you bylers....

I found this on Pinterest! I was looking on it and kept going back in forth for who would do what, but then decided it would be great to hear your guys' take on this! Use byler or any other otp you may have :)

Literally tagging as many mooties as I can remember to spread this around, but open tags of course 💙💛

@grandmasterinsider @the-bogginses-are-gay @yourlocalbadgerscales @kissboybyler @sirvinkunt @chlocatty17 @bugssavetheworld @pinkkryptonitegiver @queermikewheelertruther @gay-lien-from-space @faguettism @fatfatgaybitch @nobylerdoubts @willbyersmybeloved @miwiromantics @miwiheroes @bylerworld @fifteenthousandroses @thatautisticbanana @the-strangest-heart @pointmetotheundertow @your-ivy-grows13 @starfishhy123 @bluemeetsyellow456 @somewiseouttheree @pchvunk @finnaticccc @itswhatyougive @babygirlondisplay

My Byler take is under the cut, as to not influence anyone's decisions!

Ship: Byler

Who's the one to wake up the kids: Will

Who makes breakfast: Mike (always very healthy about it, Will makes chocolate chip pancakes on Saturdays)

Who's the more discipline parent: mike

Who's the more lenient one: Will (just likes seeing his kiddos happy)

Who helps with the science fair: Both! They did get first place every year except once, you know ;)

Who does baby talk: Will

Who wakes up for midnight feedings: Both, they trade off

Who's the one who always worries: Mike

Who picks the kids up from school early for fun: Will

Who's the competitive parent: Mike (i know im doing him a lot but i'd like to think he fights with moms in the PTA)

Who kisses the ouches: Will

Who's a sucker for puppy eyes: Will

Who makes the dad jokes: Mike starts them, and Will gives the punchline

Who embarrasses their kid for fun: Will (very loud "Love you sweetie have a great day!" at school dropoff)

Who's the overprotective one: Mike (has had multiple people close to him disappear)

Who's the "Take a sweater!" parent: Will (he was a sickly child...)

[lunabug2004]

I've said it so many times and I'll say it again: the way that I've only ever seen one reactor feel/say that something was off about this kiss is absolute insanity. Bc even when I was strictly a Mileven shipper I hated this kiss and did not understand Mike's reaction to it!

It's also crazy that no one ever seems to pick up on the outright flirtiness of this exchange!!!

It's gonna be so validating when Byler becomes canon and people finally pick up on what should be obvious 😃