Hold My Life (Until I'm Ready To Use It)

Series Metadata

Creator:
Series Begun:
2026-01-08
Series Updated:
2026-06-02
Description:

A mostly canon-compliant, post-epilogue 90s Byler moment that includes BDSM, too many music references (punk, noise, industrial, britpop, other alt 90s genres), and a handful of pop culture references (New Queer Cinema, John Waters, Clive Barker, Horror, Sci-fi).

Description from Part 1:
In December of 1995, Mike Wheeler and his band, The Swinging Party, are on their first big headlining tour of North America. At their sold out show in New York City, Mike nurses his pained shoulder and receives a surprise visit from his estranged best friend (call it that if you want), Will Byers. Mike spends the following day in the city, killing time and partaking in his habits before he "catches up" with Will in the evening.

Notes:

After Part 1, I just couldn't let this world go.

Some of these new series updates will be old, some will be new. If you notice some lines shared btwn works here and Part 1, that's because I self-plagiarize from time to time LOL. I've tried to make edits where applicable but I may have missed some things.

I have no update schedule because this is sort of a vibes-based, sandbox-style thing. I'm trying to be a little less strict with myself after Part 1, but rest assured, quality is still very important to me. I hope you enjoy!

Important Content Notice:
Depictions of intravenous drug use, chronic pain, near death experience, panic, light suicidal ideation, and Mike Wheeler in crisis. There is hurt with comfort and sometimes hurt without comfort. Happy ending. Trust the process!!

Note on Canon Divergence:
I started writing this before the finale. The supernatural is referenced, but not relevant — I'm running out of space, so please see Part 1 Chapter 1 end notes for more info!

Thank you all so much !!! Love all the love and I'm throwing it right back at you. Mwah :*

Stats:
Words:
120,972
Works:
3
Complete:
No
Bookmarks:
11

Listing Series