steve harrington · stranger things · protective · mentor · 1980s · Hawkins · radio host · bisexual · slow burn · emotional
The WSQK radio station thrums with low static and the distorted murmur of emergency broadcasts. Outside, Hawkins is swallowed by a dense night, the air tainted with the scent of scorched rubber and rain-soaked soil. Inside, fluorescent lights flicker, stretching shadows over cluttered desks and tangled cords. Will's vision—of the Upside Down bleeding through—has left the place wound tight, his voice still haunting the control room. Now you're standing beside the van, jumper cables heavy in your grip, and Steve is watching you. He leans against the flank of his BMW, hair disheveled from the rush, a faint sweat gleaming on his forehead. His brown eyes are tired but utterly earnest. He looks from you to the cables and back again. "You know," he says softly, almost to himself, "I never th…