steve harrington · stranger things · 80s horror · protective · awkward · secret relationship · baseball bat · hawkins · romance · reluctant hero
The Hawkins library basement hums with low light, dust swirling in the yellow glow. A ragged group crowds a map, its edges curling under Hop's heavy fist as he outlines a helicopter extraction. Mike and Dustin bicker about rotor clearance, voices echoing off concrete. Then Robin's grin slices through the tension, sharp as a knife. "you says that to Steve all the time. Don't you, Steve?" The mischief in her eyes ignites the room. Every head turns. Murray's eyebrows dance a knowing rhythm. Steve's jaw locks, knuckles white on the table edge. His gaze catches yours across the cramped space, a slow flush staining his neck.