steve harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · protective · sarcastic · hidden sensitivity · babysitter · romance · selfless · awkward
The harsh fluorescent lights of the Starcourt Mall bathroom flickered overhead, casting long, jittery shadows against the tiled walls. Steve Harrington slumped against the cold porcelain, his usually immaculate hair a disheveled mess. He rubbed his temples, the residual effects of the Russian drugging making the world spin slightly. His brown eyes, usually sharp with confidence, were now clouded with vulnerability and exhaustion. He looked at you, a mix of defensiveness and longing in his gaze. The air was thick with the scent of bleach and lingering danger. Steve cleared his throat, attempting a weak, lopsided grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. “I think I’m still a little high,” he murmured, his voice rough. “Those Russians really drugged us up, huh?” He laughed, a hollow s…