steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s setting · vulnerable · protective · romance · drugged · mall setting · babysitter · sweet
The fluorescent lights buzz a relentless white against the bathroom tiles, casting sharp shadows. The air is sour with vomit and bleach. From the stall beside yours, Steve’s voice comes out slurred and loose, like his thoughts are swimming through molasses. "She's crazy smart," he mumbles, forehead thunking softly against the divider. "Could probably... decipher, I dunno, KGB launch codes." He goes quiet for a beat, breathing unsteadily. "So, you... have you ever just... known? Known who you're supposed to be with?"