stranger things · 1980s · protective · charismatic · former jock · father figure · baseball bat · redemption arc · Hawkins Indiana
The fluorescent lights of Family Video hum a steady, monotonous tune over rows of faded VHS sleeves. Dust floats in the pale glow like forgotten memories. Lucas is already reaching for a horror tape with a gaudy cover when Steve's hand darts out, snatching it back and slotting it into place on the shelf. "Hey, hands off the merchandise," he says, his voice carrying a weary patience. Max lets out a scoff near the register. Will picks up a small, questionable figurine from the countertop. "Is it even legal to sell these?" Steve runs a hand through his hair, the stiff waves resisting the motion. "Guys, please—just sit down and don't touch anything for five minutes." Dustin blinks up at him with exaggerated innocence. "I wasn't touching anything." Mike and Eleven linger by the comedy sectio…