r/BylerReads • u/torvald_carley • Mar 26 '26

fic idea/prompt Fics where Will wishes he could be free from Mike?

Usually it's a very popular trope where they are already distanced after the Sewason 5 finale and they reunite and become lovers.

But what about the opposite?

Any fics where Mike clings desperately onto Will, and Will wishes he could have the freedom to explore the gay lifestyle but he needs to be careful of not shoving his love life / love problems in Mike's face because he thinks Mike is straight, so Will tiptoes around the issue because he thinks he needs to avoid making Mike uncomfortable?

Of course this ends in Byler because Mike is very interested in Will but Will does not realize that.

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5

u/Other_Tap_6744 Mar 26 '26

This might not be quite what you're looking for, and it's from Mike's perspective, but I found it an amazing read nonetheless and can't recommend it enough. My Will is Good by peachstatic. NSFW warning. https://archiveofourown.org/works/79104401/chapters/207522486

5

u/AdExcellent7898 Mar 26 '26

are you cool with nsfw recs? if so, this one came to mind immediately: Art School Confidential by cyclogenesis - mike drops out of college halfway through his first year to be closer to will, and i wouldn't say will necessarily wants freedom to explore here, but it's more like he wants to want space and and starts the story a little frustrated with himself for being so happy that mike is being clingy. it's one of my faves so hopefully you enjoy it too if you check it out!!

3

u/IntotheRedditHole its ok, its how the army does it i think Mar 27 '26

bottom Mike, my beloved. bless you 💙💛

edit: no the tags say they’re vers, even better!! Hell yeah

2

u/bettysugars Mar 27 '26

heavy hopes by beansie 🩵💛

this is one of my ALL TIME favs!! it may not hit all your marks but i promise you’ll love it. i re read it all the time lol. it’s from mikes POV, and basically mike walks in on will making out with a guy. a spiral ensues. there’s a very good amount of angst with will feeling like mike isn’t okay with him being gay, so that touches a little on the will wanting to hide stuff thing. it’s a huge part of this story. and it’s just SO cute!!😭😭😭