#byler fanfic rec

[i-promise-i-am-not-on-drugs]

i just may be a daredevil (can you feel my heart?) - coopermyagent - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Idk who you are and what you're doing right now, but read this. I wish I could reset my brain and read it again for the first time. It's absolutely beautiful. Too good, too good.

warning: blood, violence (against Troy, yay!), and they're both fucking insane. (Which is absolutely amazing to read tbh) Also, there's basically smut without sex in this, so yeah, that too. (But this is so much better than any smut I've ever read istfg--) And also, there's cannibalism as a metaphor for love so be aware ig--

[starsarefire824]

Byler Fic Recs

I haven't posted some fic recs in a while so I thought I would!

Here are some ones I love:

In Undertow (M) by olliecoddle (@souverian-are-we): This is my favorite thing I'm reading right now. It's. Just. So. Good.

The Wheeler’s lakehouse was a two-story wooden building with white siding and blue shutters on each of the little windows. It sat on the edge of a large blue-green lake, a long backyard full of tall tufted grass that ended in a wooden dock extending out over the water. Will had been to the Wheeler’s lakehouse twice as a child, once when he was eight and again when he was sixteen. Now, he was twenty-nine and pulling up to the long driveway of the house in his beaten-up Ford Escort, his stomach in nervous knots that he was trying to calm with a half-full can of ginger ale.

or, four months after one byers/wheeler couple breaks up, another gets married. and, of course, will and mike are both the best men. and, of course, there is a plot to get them back together. nothing goes to plan.

one soft infested summer (M) by wheelersboy (@lucasvenkman)" The Stoned Byler to ever be stoned. And it's sexy and emotional and just delicious summer vibes. And I'll forever be thankful for the Director's Cut. 😉

The Party spend their last summer before college together at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Oh yeah, and they're stoners.

My Teeth In Your Neck (T) by @foodiewithdahoodie: Boarding school, sexual tension, and fencing. It's dope.

Mike and Will used to be friends. Best friends! But after one fight they couldn't come back from during the summer, they haven't spoken to each other since. The only time they cross paths is on the piste, with epee swords brandished, as fencing rivals for their opposing boarding schools - Hawkins High vs Lenora Hills Prep. This year is no different, except it kind of is. Something pulls them together and this time they can't escape it. Because there's no Mike without Will and there's no Will without Mike. Simple as that.

the strawberries are dying (T) by @eggowls Rated T: the world needs more historical au Byler fics, and this one is perfect. Beautifully written and an interesting premise. I have to catch up on this one.

At the height of the stock market crash, the Wheelers are the richest family in Roane County and in need of domestic servants to fulfill their estate's needs. In a bout of desperation, they end up hiring the Byers family, much to everyone’s (except Nancy’s, who has a crush on Jonathan) chagrin.

However, in the midst of it all, two outcasted young boys from completely different lives find a light in each other. And—slowly—their lives begin to intertwine to the point of no return.

need, lie, mean, cry (T) by @willow-lark: a good shorty fic with lots of angst!

Nobody needs Mike Wheeler. He probably wouldn't be so mad about it if Will hadn't lied and made him think otherwise.

Let's Go Crazy Together (but not like this) (M) by Julia_Skysong: Byler hate each other and end up sharing a room at rehab. It's awkward. I'm only halfway through, but I'm loving it.

Anger, fear, trauma, grief. One turned to alcohol. One turned to drugs. Now, somehow, they've ended up sharing a room at the same mental hospital. Will and Mike are stuck, forced to work through their issues together, for better or for worse.

things i can't say (T) by @chiquitablanquita. Switched notebook trope, my beloved. I really liked the writing here.

Will’s sketches contain a confession: he’s in love with his best friend. Unfortunately, his best friend’s journal looks a lot like his sketchbook.

If You Stay (M) by Flurryofstarz. A The Proposal AU, Byler edition. It's fucking cute. Impatiently awaiting an update.

Faced with the threat of deportation, career-oriented Mike Wheeler says he's engaged to his hapless assistant, Will Byers. Will commits to the lie while imposing a few conditions of his own. With a skeptical immigration official waiting for them to slip up, the two must work together to fool their friends and families into believing that their once-strained relationship has since evolved into true love.

But what happens when they start to believe the lie too?

Or, the fic inspired by the enemies-to-lovers rom-com, The Proposal (2009).

he could be a bee to a blossom (E) by anonymous: I loooveed the writing. Truly a Tragedy that it's anonymous.

Mike reached down and grabbed something. He was seated on the edge of the bed, curled towards him with his knee resting near Will’s pillow. He had a carton of freshly washed and cut fruit in his hand. “I already went to the grocery store and got, like, a million things. We could probably shelter in place here for a month and a half.”

Mike said it in a way that was not remotely sexy, but it still made something in Will’s stomach heat. He almost felt like purring, kneading his hands into the mattress with satisfaction. [My alpha got that for me. My alpha is making sure I’m healthy and hydrated. My alpha is taking such good care of me.]

A record scratch went off in Will’s head. Christ alive, Mike was NOT his alpha.

(A/B/O AU… And they were roommates!)

Be mine through the Hawkinspocalypse (and I'll be yours forever) (E) by TikaWayward: I love this whole series. It's unique and sexy and well written.

Mike was long. Long frame extended in a stretch. Long limbs shaking from exhaustion. Long fingers clenched around ripped sheets. Long hair damp with sweat, sticking to his long pale nape and freckled shoulders. Even his back seemed long as he tensed. Will had to commit this view to memory, engrave it in his mind forever. Even if it was the only time they ever shared such intimacy, even if Mike had only asked him for help because he was there, familiar, convenient, and they needed his heat to stop as soon as possible. There are goddamned monsters out there Will, I can’t be in heat right now, I can’t! He needed to revere this moment.

Mike truly was the most beautiful creature Will had laid his eyes on. __________________________________________________________________

Or Mike presents as an omega in the middle of his patrol with Will in a monster infested forest.

The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Hawkins (M) by olliecoddle (@souverian-are-we): uhmmmmm, I'm obsessed with this. Rock star angsty Byler.

Will had the same pre-show ritual before every gig he ever performed. About twenty minutes before he had to go on stage, he would lock himself in any confined space he could find. In a bathroom stall, his dressing room, the maintenance closet, he would turn off the lights and hide for a few minutes. Today, though, it was five minutes before he had to go on stage, the clock ticking down, and he had spent the last half hour wandering around the venue looking for Mike Wheeler.

Will needed to talk to him.

or, the party has a band. will and mike make out on stage. for the bit, of course. it causes problems.

I’m a Wreck (Without You Here) (M) by @talkingtothelights. I'm only on the first chapter but it's so heartbreaking and emotional. Good shit.

Mike has been living 2,200 miles away from his family and hometown for the past fourteen years. He rarely visits, but when he receives heartbreaking news, he’s forced to return home for a funeral. It’s in this unfortunate chapter of life that Mike must come to terms with the consequences of abruptly running away from home and perhaps reconnect with the one person he’s tried his damnedest to forget about.

not strong enough to be your man (T) by @perexcri. The prose is fucking beautiful. I really enjoyed this one.

He swallows down a flurry of all the things he wants to say – every moment and untold truth and aching thought that’s bruised his mind for years – but it comes out so plain, so stark and oddly-jagged in the silence following the lighting, taking up space where thunder should be:

“I meant it, Will. You’re not an inconvenience.”

Will shakes his head and turns.

Mike wants to feel like he's meaningful, like he's an active part of his own life - worthwhile.

It's a good thing Will needs him now more than ever.

Right?

Make Believe (E) by FlurryofStarz. One of all time favorites. Amazing slow burn and super interesting a/b/o dynamics. Mike centric. I cannot wait until the plot point I think is going to happen is revealed. 👀

There's absolutely no way to know what a person will present as ahead of time, but Mike's never been more certain about something in his life. Will Byers is going to be an Omega--a male Omega--and the second that happens, he'll lose everything. Some knothead Alpha like Troy or James will claim him as their own and no one will be able to stop them. Luckily, the Party has a plan. It might be complicated and unconventional. It might not even be legal, but it's something and that's all Will really needs. Something. And Mike's more than willing to try it if it means saving Will.

But what if Will isn't the one who needs saving?

*** if you’re listed here and want to be tagged let ms know!

[i-promise-i-am-not-on-drugs]

I just read it and it's absolutely amazing!! I really love it, y'all should totally try it!!!

To anyone who's inconfortable because of the internalized homophobia, it was pretty soft in my opinion. It's mostly Mike realizing that he's attracted by guys, freeze, and try to push it away. There is one scene where T*d makes pretty violent homophobic comments thought, be aware.

oooo you wanna read abt mike wheeler having internalized homophobia so bad (please read my fic oh my god)

[hawkins-batman]

This fan art reminded me of one of my favorite Byler fics, so here’s a free recommendation for those if you who haven’t read it yet :)

You have to be logged in to AO3 read it.

Fic: I know better (you’re still around) Author: andiwriteordie Artist: Ekza-art

[bloodyplum]

Hopper observing byler flirting is my fav thing ever actually 😭

[fluffyfangirl]

🎧 [Podfic]

I'm Starvin', Darlin' by @freetobeeyouandme

Read by me Original Fic Link

Podfic Length: ~ 17 Minutes

Summary:

In the end all he can say is: “I have a bad idea.” “Worse than standing too close to a gate and getting dragged into the Upside Down as it closes?” “Depends.” He scoots closer. Lets go of Will’s hand to properly cup his face. He’s so close that he can smell Will’s breath: Acidic and dry. Kinda bad. “On what?” Will says, breathless. - Or, Bylerween Day 1: Trapped in the Upside Down _____ [Podfic of the fic by KissingTinyFlowers]

So grateful that Line gave me a blanket permission to use her fics to create more Podfics! Such a joy - even if Bylerween isn't exactly fitting as the holidays are coming up.

[lordystrange]

This is one of the best byler fanfics I’ve ever read

(I’m gonna include it in my fic rec post part ?? but it deserves its own post)

Seriously, no matter who you are, you’re gonna love this fic. It has fluff, it has comfort, it has a little plot to keep it interesting but not too much so that you’d have to worry about investing too much energy in it.

Here it is:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44452108/chapters/111808279

It works perfectly on its own but it might also inspire you to read/watch something else…

Also I must say that as I am a also jayvik shipper now, this had some details that were fun to re-read 😌

[shutuperce]

your fall 2023 byler reading list 🍂🍂

BIG BYLER FIC REC DUMP cause i haven't been writing a lot but i HAVE been reading and y'all need to read these! hope u enjoy as much as i did <3

got your spell on me, baby - @astrobei -Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 7,919

TW: none

'To be fair, Will’s costume is great, now that Mike knows what it is. And, okay, wait-

“Oh, this is so good. This is so good.” Max points at Mike, wheezing. “Because you’re dressed as-”

Will’s still looking straight up at the sky. The length of his neck is very, very flushed. Mike can feel his entire face going redder than Vader’s lightsaber. He clenches his hands into tiny little fists, and says, around a groan: “I’m not Han Solo, guys.”'

THE halloween byler fic. the party at college, bi lucas sinclair content, halloween party shenanigans.

these nerds, using star wars to flirt 🙄

background lumax & their amazing couples costume, el & will power sibling duo!!!

bowie references to heal the soul

all in all one of my favourite getting-together fics for this time of year :)

what a match: i'm half-doomed and you're semi-sweet - @perexcri - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 28,150

TW: guns, blood, gore (just demodogs though no human gore)

'One month ago, if you had asked Will Byers what he’d do if Mike Wheeler threaded his fingers through his hair, looked him dead in the eyes, and started leaning in for a kiss, he wouldn’t have said this.

He wouldn’t have said he’d be staring right back into those yawning dark eyes, one hand on Mike’s waist, the other against his cheek. There wouldn’t have been any lightning in his veins or blood rushing in his ears.

He wouldn’t have said that Mike Wheeler would be tilting his head in the opposite direction, eyes widening just the slightest as if asking permission, his mouth slightly parted.

He wouldn’t have imagined it at all.'

SO SO GOOD. apocalypse post s4, background jancy and platonic stobin, interruption trope x10000 so it's SO SATISFYING at the end.

WILL WITH A GUN.

jonathan & mike solidarity <3

all in all amazingly well written mike and will being blushing messes. love them. fluff in the apocalypse.

take my hand, wreck my plans - @parkitaco - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 6,297

TW: discussion of past trauma

'"I am not taken," he says out of habit, even though he kind of is. He and Will aren't together - he blushes at the thought - but they do spend an awful lot of time together, and Mike doesn't ever find himself wishing he was anywhere else. "Will and I are-"

"Ooh, I didn't even say anything about Will!" Max crows. "Oh, this is excellent."

Mike hides his face in his hands even though she can't see him. "Oh my God. Can you put Lucas back on, please?"

Max cackles in to the receiver, the sound fading as Lucas presumably wrenches the phone out of her grip. "We gotta go, Mike," he says, laughing a little. "Max has class and I'm driving her."

"Tell her she's the worst," Mike grumbles, fiddling with the phone cord.

"Say hi to Will for me!" Lucas sings, and hangs up before Mike can protest.

Mike groans and flops back on his mattress. It's going to be a long year.'

part of a series!! byler college au, friends-to-lovers, background party friendship, AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES. OH MY GOD, THEY WERE ROOMMATES??

taylor swift title... do u really need any other persuasion

the whole series is just AMAZING. mike & will getting a break, living together at college and figuring shit out <3

i might be hoping about this - @astrobei - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 15,321

TW: none

'Will lets out a small squawk as Mike’s hand— his very cold, very freezing hand— finds its way around the blankets and under his sweater. “I’m sick, you weirdo,” he says, half-laughing into the side of Mike’s head, “I have a fever.” 

“I don’t care,” Mike mumbles, “you’re warm and I’m cold. This is nice.”

“You’re going to get sick,” Will tries, for the umpteenth time, but it’s pointless. Mike Wheeler is stubborn and hardheaded and he never does anything halfway— not even this.'

established byler at college!! so yeah i have a love of college byler and this is one of my top fics for sure. 2nd astrobi fic on this list because i love their writing <3

will gets sick, mike takes care of him. need i say more?

silly goofy guys living together & doing silly goofy domestic shit

this fic makes me SOFT.

accidentally on purpose - @itsromeowrites - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 5,019

TW: none

'It starts out with a kiss. An accidental kiss. Because Mike is sleepy and Will is pretty, and who can really blame him? And then there's another one, just as accidental. But the third? Well, that may be a little more on purpose.'

literally smiling so hard at this fic. like hello. soft secret boyfriends and loads of party content, all the kids are okay <3

established byler, how the party finds out. all fluff all the time. jonathan attempts the Talk. mike has no idea what's going on. et cetera.

background lumax, lucas & dustin being lil shits together, and el using her powers to cheat at splashing games. all in all a good time!

and if I get burned, at least we were electrified - anonymous - Stranger Things (TV 2016) [Archive of Our Own]

Words: 14,958

TW: none

'“I’ll leave you be until lunch,” Max starts negotiating, nodding at him as if that’s a good deal. Which—considering it's Max, it is, but Mike doesn’t want to give in just yet. She sighs. “I won’t laugh about the sweater anymore. Or the weak disposition that gives you stupid allergies all the time.”

Mike’s frown deepens, but she wasn’t as mean as she could have been, so he’s gonna take it. He needs to get this out anyways, or he’s going to keep running in circles as if stuck in a hamster wheeler—an accurate representation of his brain when it comes to Will, really. He presses his lips together and tries to figure out a subtle, non-funny way to say it, but he comes up blank.

Fuck, whatever: “I almost kissed Will. Again.”

Max actually has to cover her mouth with her hand, disguising a worryingly loud snort with a cough. The teacher turns their way and stares, then goes back to explaining the exercise on the board. Mike scribbles it down while Max gets herself under control.

Screw his life.'

senior year, post-vecna. the party being friends but also little shits to each other.

madwheeler bandmates!!!

will steals mike's entire closet

they are Dumb Idiots who are mutually pining from afar

and other lovable tropes. takes place in november so good fall vibes :)

[aryyzstuff]

okay wait so like 3 years (2022) i read this absolute SCRUMPTIOUS byler fic, and I SWEAR i’ve been searching ever since for it. Idk if it was deleted or smth but BASICALLY

will and mike were not childhood friends and met in college, and i think (?) in the beginning their like kissing OR it was mike and max talking and basically she was like “oh ya so wills a total catch not mess this up” blah blah blah wtv THEN its like a situationship im pretty sure and wills going to this party with his art ppl or wtv ( and dustin!!!!!) and he gets on this suit and mikes like “OH SHIT he’s looks good” but he doesnt say that, actually he doesnt even say anything he’s like “oh ya wtv u look good” THEN will come back home ABSOLUTELY SHITFACED and dustin (he brought him back) is like oh wtv ya take care of him ig and mike gets him to bed n shi then wills starts kissing him and mikes like tfff right then wills like oh when we stop kissing the you leave me then they talk abt tye situationship blah blaha nd they get tpgether in the morning !!!!! super angsty of wills end

anyway so pls help me out if u know this fic xx

[loverslakes]

but if i'm all dressed up (worth it for once)

“I like this, Will,” Mike thinks aloud. “What, the afternoon? I think I prefer evenings, personally.” Will gives a last ditch at brushing off the tension they’ve created, wonders if he ignores it that Mike may move on and they can both avoid the drama this will inevitably cause. Mike leans over and nudges Will on the side of his ribs. “This. Being with you.” Will sighs. “Yeah?” “Being alone with you. More specifically,” He clarifies.

it's 1800s regency-era england, and what began as will’s earnest mission to support his sister soon spirals into a tangled web of unspoken feelings and societal pressures all because of one lord michael wheeler.

including:

28,712 words

kate & anthony bridgerton-inspired plot

regency era

soon-to-be-knight mike

friends to foes to secret romance

el/lucas friendship (or more question mark)

art & art!

[i-promise-i-am-not-on-drugs]

I really want to read a fic about that now. It would be both fucking hilarious and extremely adorable. Best combo. (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠)💕

Edit: @longtallglasses WROTE IT!!!! It's absolutely adorable, you should totally read it. 🌟

Note: If anyone else want to write one, please tell me so I can tag you here! I would love to read more of this trop, there's never enough fluff in this life. 😌💕

[dynamicccsworld]

guys I know this has nothing to do with byler but please give me Jonathan Byers centric fanfics.

Angst, Fluff, Romance, I don't care.

[seagull9111]

me when the fic doesnt have smut but it has alot of tension and flirting

[hawkins-batman]

What is the best Byler fic you've read vs the worst Byler fic you've read

This is such a hard question to answer, so I'm going to tackle it in reverse.

I'm a big believer in fan fiction being a free service that very talented people put their time and effort into giving to us for free. So, there's not really a "worst" Byler fan fiction for me. If I don't like a fic, I simply stop reading it.

Picking the best one is the hardest because there are SEVERAL that have left me catatonic.

"Broken Wings" by Turning_tides is probably the closest I've come to the best. It's absolutely gut-wrenching, and I was legit sobbing through some of it. But the pay off in the end was well worth it. This fic was literally on my mind for a week after I finished it.

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made By Thee)" by spotlightonmringenue is another big fav of mine.

Since I kinda copped out on the "worst" Byler fic I've read, here's the completed Byler fics that I've loved enough to download to my iBooks :)

[elephantshoetoo]

Confession time:

"The Byler Files" volume 1 has undergone a bit of a makeover. The overall story is the same, but I've added a lot of detail and inner monologue, esp. Mike's pov, that weren't there originally. (It was around 15 thousand words and is now over 23 thousand, so... yeah.)

Since originally it was going to be a graphic novel, the descriptions were quite sparse and the conversations were short, but now that it has evolved into this kind of closet drama format, I felt like I could do a lot more with it. So I did.

Here's an excerpt from one of my favourite additions, during the mileven make-out scene at the beginning:

Excerpt from The Byler Files, volume 1, chapter 2: "Under Pressure", by ElephantShoe on AO3.

And not to worry, I will be getting back to volume 3 soon, I just needed a break from the emotional intensity of it, and some time to work through the logistics of the second half. But it is in progress. And it is epic.

So, in the meantime, if you've been craving more Byler Files, I invite you to go back and re-experience it from the beginning, and fall in love all over again.

Happy holidays, everyone!

❄️🎁🎄

[fluffyfangirl]

🎧 [Podfic]

a sad beautiful (tragic) love affair by @morganee

Read by me Original Fic link

Chapter One - I was enchanted to meet you

Summary:

“Are you free tonight?” Will blinks and gapes a few times. “What?” “I’m going out with my sister and her best friend tonight. We’re going to a pub.” Mike moves forward, and Will’s breath hitches. “You could join us. It…could be fun.” or Mike follows his sister to England to write articles about the celebration of the Silver Jubilee. There, under the pale British sun, he meets Will. Day 5 of Byler Week 2023: Secret Identities ___ [Podfic of the fic by mogiah]