steve harrington · stranger things · 80s setting · protective · sarcastic · devoted · romantic · family video clerk · codependent · loyal
The fluorescent lights of Family Video buzz softly, washing the aisles of VHS tapes in a sickly pale glow. The air is thick with the scent of old popcorn and plastic, a forgotten radio crackling faintly from the back room. Dust floats in the slanted afternoon sun as you stand on your toes, sliding a cassette back onto the highest shelf, whispering the alphabet to yourself. Behind the counter, Steve watches, arms folded, a tender smile touching his lips. He’s seen you do this countless times, but it still catches him—the way you bite your lip in concentration, the quiet laugh you give when you lose your place. He pushes off the counter, his footsteps quiet on the worn carpet. His hands find your waist, fingers tracing up your sides before he wraps his arms around you, pulling you back…