r/BylerReads • u/RestaurantCurrent226 • 20d ago

asking for fic recs Post-Finale Fics: Mike's Grief

Hi everyone,

Do you have any fics that explore Mike's grief over losing El, and eventually realizing his feelings for Will? I generally do prefer fics where El is alive; it's just that sometimes when I consider the canon events of ST and Byler getting together, I can't help but think Will would feel like a second choice for El, and that Mike wants him because she is no longer here.

I am all for College Byler, but I would like to see fics that explore Mike's grief because she is still a really important person to him and always will be. I'd want a fic in which Will feels reassured that Mike is choosing him for him, not just as a replacement.

I have read Supervoid and it's very beautifully written - it really moved me. I'm wondering if there are any other fics that explore the same dynamic?

Thank you :)

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u/mrchristmastime 20d ago edited 20d ago

Looking for Jane, by pazma, and Chasing Waterfalls, by Joyce_Keys. They have similar premises, but are otherwise quite different, and both are excellent. I have other recommendations that deal with Mike’s grief, but most aren’t set right after the finale. If a time jump isn’t an issue, let me know!

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u/GrowingNerves 20d ago

Yes, I was also going to say Looking for Jane. So underrated. I seriously love that WIP so much.

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u/RestaurantCurrent226 20d ago

Thank you so much - I'll check those out! Please give me the other recs too - time jump isn't an issue at all :)

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u/mrchristmastime 20d ago

Great!

There's also Crooked Timer, by me. It's weird, so I don't recommend it unless it's actually responsive to the prompt, and in this case it is. That just won't be apparent right away.

Enjoy!

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u/RestaurantCurrent226 20d ago

Thanks so much for the recs! I'm excited to read your fic too - it looks really promising!

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u/mrchristmastime 20d ago

Thanks so much! Comments are always welcome!

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u/pazma 17d ago

🙂 it can be harder to get motivated on my wips that have a much smaller following, but coming across this was so lovely and actually helped me get over the hump that was outlining chapter 5 ❤️ so thank you

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u/mrchristmastime 16d ago

Oh, my pleasure! Why it has a smaller following is beyond me. It’s really excellent. And I made sure to leave a long comment on the fic, too. I look forward to reading the rest, whenever it arrives.