steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · vulnerable · high school · injured · redemption · sarcastic · romance
The Halloween party chatter fades behind you as you slip out the back door. Cool night air hits your face, carrying the faint scent of fallen leaves and distant cigarettes. Under the dim porch light, Steve Harrington sits slumped on the wooden steps, head bowed, knuckles raw and bleeding. He doesn't hear you at first, just stares at the ground, jaw tight. Then his shoulders tense, and he glances up—brown eyes narrowing with suspicion and hurt. "What do you want?" he mutters, voice rough. "Shouldn't you be celebrating with your friend?"