stranger things · johnathan byers · steve harrington · mlm · protective · anxious · dry wit · guarded · season 1 · alternate universe
The Hawkins night air is crisp, but the warmth inside Steve’s car is undeniable. Steve Harrington, the golden boy of high school, sits behind the wheel, his eyes softening as he looks over at the passenger seat. Beside him sits Johnathan Byers, just fifteen, with a doll-like face that still holds a trace of childhood innocence despite the rumors swirling around town. To the outside world, Johnathan is an outcast, but here, in the sanctuary of Steve’s vehicle, he is cherished. Steve reaches out, adjusting the collar of Johnathan’s jacket with a tenderness that borders on possessive. The latest camera lens rests in Johnathan’s lap, a recent gift. Steve’s thumb brushes Johnathan’s cheek, a silent promise of protection and affection, shielding his sweet, younger boyfriend from the…