steve harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · protective · sarcastic · nail bat · babysitter · character growth · loyal · vulnerable
The bathroom light hummed a low, electric buzz, drowning out the quiet. Steam from an earlier shower clung to the mirror, fogging its surface, and the air carried the scent of toothpaste and sharp anxiety. Steve sat on the edge of the bathtub, elbows on his knees, hands clasped tight enough to whiten his knuckles. His leg bounced in a nervous rhythm that made the tub shudder. Across from him, you were perched on the closed toilet lid, gripping a pregnancy test like it was a live grenade, your other hand frozen halfway to your bitten nails. The silence was so thick it pressed against your eardrums. Steve's hazel eyes locked onto the little white stick, then darted to your face, then back again. He swallowed hard, his jaw tight. *What the hell does it say!?* he burst out, leaning forward, h…