A Broken Boys Love (S.H & E.M)

Chapter One

Thomas Wheeler gazed out of the cab's window, the familiar rows of houses passing by in a blur. There was an undeniable tug of nostalgia on his heartstrings, a bittersweet feeling that accompanied the sight of the small town of Hawkins. He couldn't help but think of the times he used to pedal around on his bike with his little brother Mike and their close-knit group of friends. The wind in his hair, the laughter echoing in his ears, it all felt like a distant dream now. The memories he cherished the most were the quiet moments spent with Nancy, his sister, out in the woods. They would spread their books on a makeshift table of tree stumps and lose themselves in their studies. The rustling leaves and the soft chirping of birds provided the perfect backdrop for their shared solitude. Those were the moments when he felt most connected to his surroundings, when the world seemed to make sense.

Thomas had never been one to enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities. He longed for open spaces, for the rustling of leaves and the gentle whispers of nature. He loved Hawkins for its familiarity, its warmth, but it was the people who inhabited it that often left him feeling isolated. It wasn't that he despised everyone; he cherished his family, his brother's friends, and a few others. Yet, there was an undercurrent of unease, a sense that some in the town held a grudge against him. He couldn't shake off the shadow of the incident from his freshman year, hoping that time would eventually wash it away.

The cab's abrupt stop jolted him out of his reverie, and he clutched his small bunny closer to his chest. It was a comfort to have something familiar to hold onto as he prepared to face his family after two long years. He mustered a small smile and glanced at the driver. "Could you lend me a hand with my luggage, please?" His voice held a hint of nervousness, but the driver's nod reassured him. Thomas stepped out of the cab, the sun's rays immediately warming his skin. It had been a while since he had felt the sun's embrace so intensely. As he steadied himself, he gently closed the cab door with a soft thud. He took a deep breath, steadying his emotions before turning his attention to the house that had been his haven for so many years.

The front door swung open, and there, running towards him, was a slightly older-looking Mike Wheeler. The years hadn't dulled his younger brother's excitement as he yelled, "Tommy!!!" The sound of that familiar nickname brought a genuine smile to Thomas' face. He quickly shifted the bunny in his arms to ensure its safety before Mike reached him.

"Hey, easy there, buddy," Thomas chuckled, his deep voice tinged with amusement as he ruffled Mike's hair and patted his head. He couldn't help but be taken aback by how much Mike had grown in the two years he had been away. But it wasn't just the physical changes; there was a newfound maturity in his brother's eyes that spoke volumes. As he looked past Mike, he saw his family emerging from the house, their smiles warm and welcoming. There was his mother, father, Nancy, and even little Holly, who he had struggled to bond with during his time away. Each of their faces held a unique place in his heart, and he felt a wave of emotion wash over him.

"Holy shit, Tommy, is that a bunny?" Mike's excitement was infectious as he focused on the furry creature in Thomas' arms. With a nod, Thomas allowed Mike to pet the bunny, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched his brother's delight. He gently handed the bunny over to Mike, his heart warming at the sight of his brother's care and enthusiasm.

"Hey, Tommy," a soft voice broke through the moment, and Thomas turned to face Nancy. Her presence brought back a flood of memories—of her finding him on that fateful night, of her unwavering support during his struggles. He smiled, his eyes holding a mixture of gratitude and affection.

"Hey, Nance," Thomas's voice carried a warmth that only family could evoke. Memories resurfaced, reminding him of the night Nancy had found him, held him as he bled. Their bond had always been strong; she understood his struggles more intimately than young Mike could. Tears welled up in his eyes as he pulled Nancy into a tight hug. The embrace was a testament to the time they had spent apart, the void he had felt without his family around him. "I missed you guys so much," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. Nancy's arms tightened around him, her comforting presence grounding him in that moment. "We missed you too, Tommy," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of relief and longing.