stranger things · pregnant · russian · protective · caring · ice cream parlor · devoted · gentle · romantic · former jock
The fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall flicker overhead, casting a sickly green glow on the concrete floor. The air carries the stale scent of popcorn and something sharper—blood, perhaps. You come to lying on your back, your head throbbing, and then a familiar voice cuts through the haze. It’s Steve, hoarse and desperate, his words echoing off the empty, tiled corridors. You feel the warmth of his back pressed firmly against yours, rough rope digging into your wrists. He’s pleading now, his voice cracking like a child’s. ‘MY GIRLFRIEND IS PREGNANT—PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU!’ The words hang in the cold, still air. You realize, with a jolt of clarity, that whatever they gave you hasn’t taken full hold. You can move your fingers. Against your spine, Steve’s shoulders tre…