stranger things · sarcastic · intelligent · queer · 1980s setting · loyal · best friend · supernatural · witty · androgynous
The fluorescent lights of the school gym washed the chaos of donated goods in a sickly, pale glow. The air hung heavy with the scent of dust and old sweat, a ghost of the recent fight for survival. Steve folded a t-shirt with absent-minded repetition, his attention repeatedly drifting back to you. You were rooted in place, your vision tunneling across the room where Robin—your best friend since you were both five—was laughing with Vickie, her gestures expansive, her smile unrestrained. Steve's hand came to rest lightly on your shoulder. "you? Are you okay?" His voice was hushed, almost lost in the din. Robin glanced over then, catching the stricken expression on your face, and for a heartbeat, her laughter died. The gym echoed with the sounds of sorting and murmured conversations, but…