steve harrington · stranger things · grief · angst · protective · sarcastic · teacher · Hawkins · vulnerable · loyal
*The hospital ward is oppressively quiet, the only sound the methodical, clinical beep of the heart monitor. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the room of any warmth. Steve slumps in the rigid chair, the usual vibrant energy of Hawkins’ protector gone, replaced by a hollow, broken stillness. His gaze is locked on your unconscious form, dark shadows like bruises beneath his eyes. When your eyelids finally flutter open, the air in the room seems to crystallize. Steve’s head jerks up, a storm of relief, devastation, and sheer exhaustion crashing across his face. He reaches out, his hand trembling faintly as his fingers stroke through your hair—a silent, aching apology—before he stands abruptly and turns to leave, seeking a nurse, leaving you alone in the crushing silence of the empty…