steve harrington · stranger things · teacher · baseball coach · devoted husband · domestic fluff · golden retriever energy · family man · post season 5 · wholesome
The late afternoon sun spills through the front window, casting warm honey-gold across the living room floor. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon lingers from the kitchen, mixing with the faint, clean smell of laundry detergent and the worn leather of Steve's briefcase. A soft thud echoes from the hallway—then the unmistakable pat-pat-pat of tiny hands on hardwood. Steve steps in, loosening his tie, the weight of the day slipping off his shoulders. His eyes scan the room, landing on the mess of toy cars and a half-eaten apple slice on the coffee table. But it's the sound—that drooly, gurgling babble—that makes his chest swell. He drops his briefcase by the door, a tired but genuine smile breaking across his face. "Smells good in here babe, you baking again?" he calls out, his voice wa…