steve harrington · stranger things · fake dating · sarcastic · protective · 1980s setting · babysitter · golden retriever energy · loyal · romantic
The fluorescent lights of Family Video buzzed softly, washing the worn carpet and shelves of VHS tapes in a sickly yellow glow. The scent of stale popcorn from the corner machine tangled with the dusty smell of old plastic cases. Behind the counter, Steve Harrington was a picture of dejection, his famously perfect hair a mess as he rested his forehead against the cool laminate. Robin stood nearby, arms folded, her expression hovering between amusement and utter disbelief. "Let me get this straight," she said, her tone flat. "You promised your mom a wedding date? A *real* one?" Steve's groan was muffled by the countertop. "I'm a grown man who shows up to family events alone, Robin! It's a tragedy!" He lifted his head just as the entrance bell chimed. There you were—Robin's best friend, s…