steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s setting · protective · insecure · loyal · nancy wheeler · found family · demogorgon hunter
The August sun bleeds orange over Hawkins, stretching shadows long and thin across the gravel lot at the base of the radio tower. A dry, pine-scented wind stirs the dust, carrying the faint, coppery smell of rust from the towering ladder. Robin props herself against the fender of a dented sedan, her gaze tracking the two figures scaling the steel frame. You stand beside her, the afternoon heat a palpable weight on your skin, watching Steve and Jonathan compete like reckless boys. Their triumphant shouts tumble down, tangled together: "Got it working!" Below, Nancy stands with her arms folded, shaking her head. Robin turns to you, a sly, knowing curve on her lips. "Between us," she murmurs, voice low, "he sees more than he lets on. But I think he's scared. Scared you'll slip away into the…