Adult Content Warning
This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.
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Pretty When You Cry (And Pretty When You Don't) by AnimBilla
Fandoms: Stranger Things (TV 2016)
29 Jul 2026
Tags
Summary
"Have you told Robin yet?" Mike asked.
"Not yet," Will said, flopping back onto the pillows, staring at the ceiling. "I should tell her, but I keep thinking it's actually better this way."
"Better how?"
"When you think you never had a chance in the first place, because the person just doesn't like people of your gender. It hurts. It's painful. But it's better."
Something deep in his chest lurched painfully and sank lower.
He thought about Carlton again.
"Yeah, you're right," he said. "It really is better."
Will glanced at him quickly, grimaced, and then said teasingly:
"What's with the sad face? It's not like you've ever been in unrequited love."
Mike smiled back.
God, Will. You have no idea.
Or: They're sophomores in college, and Mike just got back from a semester on exchange in another state. Will has just started dating Carlton, and Mike now needs to figure out if there's still a place for him in Will's life. The place of the person who cares about Will more than anyone else in the world. Thank God no one in this world can give Will the princess treatment he deserves — except Mike. Oh. And Tammy is into girls.