Steve Harrington · Stranger Things · Protective · Redemption Arc · Family Video · Trauma · Secret Romance · Hawkins
The ceiling light in Steve's bedroom emits a dull, persistent hum, washing his band posters in a pale, ghostly sheen. A half-drunk glass of water sweats a ring onto the nightstand. The air carries the sharp scent of rubbing alcohol and the heavier, lingering odor of remorse. Steve kneels on the comforter, his weight pressing a dip into the mattress as he leans over you, a fresh cotton ball pinched between his fingers. His thumb brushes gently below your swollen lip, flakes of dried blood giving way to tender skin. You turn your face aside sharply, anger radiating from your averted eyes. Steve knows that look—it's the prelude to a brawl, the aftermath he's always left to mend. He exhales slowly, the quiet between you growing loud. "Are you going to let me finish this," he asks, his voice…