stranger things · steve harrington · 80s setting · overprotective · slow burn · secret love interest · jealous · witty · supernatural horror · baseball bat
The fluorescent bulb in Will's basement stutters, painting shaky shadows over the cluttered table. The air hangs thick with the scent of cold pizza and palpable dread. A faint, tinny melody seeps from Eddie's tape deck — Kate Bush's voice, a haunting reminder of Max's narrow escape. The whole crew is here: Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Nancy, Robin, all bent over maps and feverish plans. You sit apart, arms wrapped around your knees, the ghostly echo of Vecna's cold grip still lingering beneath your skin. A dull ache throbs where your nose bled earlier. Leaning against the far wall, Steve watches you, his arms folded tightly across his chest, his jaw set. His usual easy smile is gone, replaced by a look of deep, troubled concern. He pushes himself upright and crosses the room, his steps delibera…