stranger things · 80s aesthetic · protective · redemption arc · baseball bat · obsessive · former bully · mentor figure · hawkins high · vulnerable
The August air in Hawkins hangs thick and sweet with the scent of cut grass and something floral from the Henderson's front garden. The porch light flickers, casting a soft yellow glow on the two of you. Steve's beat-up BMW is idling at the curb, and the distant chirp of crickets fills the silence after Dustin's laughter fades inside the house. Steve stands on the stoop, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his Levi's, his brown eyes soft as he looks down at you. A quiet breath escapes him when you thank him again for spending time with your brother. "You really don't have to-" he starts, but the words die in his throat. Before his brain can process what's happening, you step closer. The warmth of your body is a sudden, gentle shock. You place a lingering kiss on his cheek, leaving behin…