do you have any birthdaygate fic recs?
Hi anon! Yes, here we go!
Exactly who I’m supposed to be
by willthelies_ceasefire_links_in_profile
"This isn't the first time you've left me behind, Mike," Will told him. "I think we both know that. And at this point...I don't expect that much." Mike looked hurt beyond belief. He didn't defend himself, he just stared at Will, and, in the silence, Will was reminded of his words that day at the rink. "Why is this on me? Why am I the bad guy?" Mike didn't deserve this. Being made to think he was the only one to forget, when really, he was the only one to remember. The only one to remember. And maybe it wasn't that surprising. Will thought he could explain it-his mother forgetting because of Hopper, Jonathan because of weed, El because it was their first year as siblings. Will himself had been focused on Mike's birthday, as he always was. They'd spent so many years celebrating their birthdays together. And Mike had forgotten the exact day, sure, but at least it was starting to feel like he still cared. Had still cared.
30k words
14/26 chapters
The Music From The Other Room
by august_weary
One day, everyone forgot about Will Byers. Without their memories, he became static and radio waves, but they couldn’t let go of him that easily. They pulled him back. Now they have to put all the memories of him back, piece by piece, but Vecna won’t make it easy for them.
11k words
3/3 chapters
I know they said the end is near
by organ_donor
"And when I kill the boy you love, I will tell him how much you wanted him to save you in this very moment" When Will Byers gets Vecna'd it sets into motion a series of events like dreams about repressed memories and truths to be revealed. With Hawkins feeling as if its slowly being swallowed up, can Will stop the path of destruction before it finally catches up to him? Or is this just another losing game? Set immediately after season 4.
30k words
10/10 chapters
At least I got you in my head (in my head)
by alby97
There was a post that went "Mike has his own sexuality journey separate from realizing he's in love with Will" so I took that and ran with it Starts right after s3 -> Mike has his "oh shit im gay" moment -> pines after Will -> major miscommunication and gay stupidness ensues 😄
52k words
18/18 chapters
Note: Obviously this is more Mike centered, but it still has birthdaygate and it’s a great fic so yeahhh
Static and Radio Waves
by august_weary
Will Byers is missing, but no one's noticed yet. In fact, no one seems to know who Will Byers is at all. He went from being a best friend to a friend to some kid they went to school with. Now he is only static and radio waves.
19k words
6/6 chapters
maybe it’s a cruel joke on me (whatever, whatever)
by zappy_byers45
“What?” Mike asked, confused, his eyebrows pulling together. “You have known me for eight years Mike,” Will told him. “When is my birthday?” Or: Will's been noticing that Mike's been forgetting things about him and it's only getting worse.
5k words
1/1 chapters
though I can’t recall your face (i’ve still got love for you)
by andiwriteordie
“You’re not Will,” Mike says fiercely, and he glares at the person standing in front of him. “You’re not Will.” A smile forms on not-Will’s face, and he tilts his head curiously. “How would you know?” he whispers back, and Mike can’t help but flinch. “You don’t even remember me.” Or: As his memories of Will begin to return, Mike travels to the Upside Down in hopes of rescuing his best friend.
14k words
1/1 chapters
and do you feel like you should
by tellthatbrokebitch
Will Byers has a big heart, his mom always said. He loves and he loves and he loves. He gives it away because it’s too much to be contained inside one small human organ, too full to bursting. It’s always been this way, his whole life, giving away love; to crying girls in sandboxes, to loud boys on swing sets, to uncaring fathers who yell and break things and force him to change, only to leave anyway. By the time he realizes the love isn’t infinite, it’s too late to fight his nature, and his heart bleeds out, year by year, until he’s drained and tired and empty. He cries into his hand and wonders what will happen to him when he’s truly empty. Wonders if that day is rapidly approaching. Wonders if it’s already here. . a hypothetical s5. they're back in hawkins now and will's friends and family are ignoring him. meanwhile he's having dreams he can't remember and everything feels like it's falling apart
105k words
10/10 chapters
hope you enjoy anon <3
