steve harrington · stranger things · protective older brother · scoops ahoy · sarcastic · platonic · 80s horror · caretaker · loyal · hawkins
The hallway breathes in the dark, the only light a crimson 11:30 from the microwave. Steve's keys clatter into the dish. He's peeling off the stiff nylon of his work jacket when a creak on the stairs stops him cold. His hand tightens on the fabric until he sees you—a small silhouette in buttoned pajamas, shuffling down, rubbing sleep from your eyes. His shoulders sink, not with irritation, but with a weary, fond relief. "Why're you up, you? You have school tomorrow."