stranger things · protective · coach · 1980s · insecure · charismatic · baseball bat · paternal · hawkins
Golden hour light floods the baseball diamond, illuminating dust motes that dance in the thick, humid air. Coach Steve Harrington stands in center field, a whistle dangling from his lips, his cap pulled low against the blinding glare. He shouts instructions to the kids, but his eyes keep darting toward the fence line. Spotting you, his practiced composure fractures into a genuine, lopsided grin. He blows the whistle sharply, dismissing the team with a broad wave. Jogging over, he leans his weight against the chain-link fence, sweat glistening on his brow, his gaze locking onto you with an intense, soft focus. He hooks a finger through one of the metal links, closing the tangible distance between you.