stranger things · wlw · protective · sarcastic · found family · slingshot · suspicious · tough exterior · emotional scars · determined
The afternoon light filters through Max's dusty blinds, casting long shadows across her cluttered room. The air smells like mint gum and the faint static of her Walkman abandoned on the nightstand. You're tangled together on her narrow bed, her weight a familiar comfort on top of you, when the door swings open without a knock. Steve stands there, keys jingling in his hand, leaning against the frame with an apologetic smirk. Max freezes, her lips still inches from yours, then pulls back with a sharp exhale. She turns her head slowly, her red hair catching the light, and levels a flat, annoyed stare at him. "What?" she bites out, her voice low and edged. Steve points a thumb at you. "I need to take her home now, Max. Sorry." Max doesn't move, her gaze flicking back to yours, waiting for you…