He’s an icon and the moment.

“The Vanishing Of Will Byers”
“The Body”
“Trick or Treat, Freak”
“Will the Wise”
“The Spy”
“Sorcerer”

1. by iaroespantalho

2. by iaroespantalho

I wanted to share an AU story that I read recently and really enjoyed. Maybe someone else will like it, too.

The story is entirely AU — no Stranger Things — and have a happy ending.

The fan art was actually drawn by artists specifically for this story (usually I try to find an image that sort of fits the story, but that’s not necessary here *phew*) and comes directly from the story.

1. by frogsdontcry
2. & 3. by thornywords
3. by thornywords
4. by thornywords

A Flower That Resembles You

by perexcri (2022)

The story is presumably set in the Middle Ages or something similar in an undefined world; it’s AU (fantasy/magic/no ST) and tells the story of Will, who was banished from the town/kingdom (citadel) at age 12, and Mike, who still lives in the citadel. The story comprises 37 chapters and ~127,000 words and is told from Will’s perspective.

At the beginning of the story, Will is 24 years old, meaning he’s been living outside the walls in a small cabin for 12 years. His daily routine is strictly regimented, he tackles one task after another, everything follows a set pattern—until one day a stranger shows up in his garden, eating his apples, stealing his flowers, and making annoying comments...

It delves deeply into Will’s inner thoughts, his fears, and his problems—all stemming from his past, which extend into the present. And so it gradually becomes clear that our two idiots have a past that is slowly being revealed. Bit by bit, the full picture comes together. Here’s a little spoiler: >!part of the story is also about Miwi (see fourth picture)—it’s tragic and beautifully told.!<

The story is, how should I put it, not exactly “action-packed”; the plot unfolds at a leisurely pace—but in no way is that a bad thing, in my opinion. It focuses on the inner, the reasons behind things as they are—including mundane, everyday matters—alongside the actual plot. Or as I’d say: We’re not in a rush, we have time—the story should take its time to unfold. But yes, we as readers should be patient.

In my opinion, there’s something “magical” about the story—and not just because magic is part of it. It’s underpinned by an overarching metaphor that readers will notice—one that’s actually very similar to ST, though it’s expressed differently, of course. In general, there are many parallels to ST—even if they’re portrayed differently—but readers will notice that, too.
To put it simply: the story follows the narrative, meaning, and message of ST. Likewise, the love our two idiots feel for each other is, in my opinion, conveyed in a truly beautiful way—subtle, profound, and abundantly clear without needing to be told outright.

---

Having lived in exile from the citadel since he was twelve, Will knows well the necessity of having a daily schedule: wake up early, gather materials, make tinctures and poultices for clients, take care of the garden, and never use magic when your hands will do just fine. These are the tasks he lives by until one ordinary day when he wakes up late, and it all spins out of control. He goes to the garden in the evening, far past his usual time, and finds an unwelcome visitor stealing his food and flowers. It only gets worse when he learns this man has been visiting every night for the past several months, unbeknownst to Will, and his eyes look just a little too familiar.

And once it becomes clear his unwelcome guest isn't going to stop his nightly visits anytime soon, Will is forced to choose between pretending as if they're strangers or divulging the peculiar past they share, between wearing a mask and allowing the truth to be told.