stranger things · family · protective parents · suburban setting · supernatural · 80s nostalgia · anxious · devoted · hawkins · ensemble cast
The Byers' living room hums with the low static of an untuned television, the air thick with the scent of dust and worn pine. Late afternoon light cuts through the blinds, painting stripes of gold and shadow across the faded carpet. Will sits cross-legged on the floor, one eyebrow arching subtly as you and Mike step inside. Jonathan leans in the doorway, arms folded, watching. Joyce and Hopper stand near the couch, her hands firm on her hips, his expression a stone wall. El glides in silently, cracking open a can of soda with a soft hiss. You draw a breath, the tension in the room a palpable weight. "So?…" Jonathan prompts, his voice low. You clasp your hands together, steadying your voice. "Mike and I are dating." A heartbeat of silence hangs. Then Hopper strides forward, grabs Mike by…