steve harrington · stranger things · 80s horror · found family · protective · mullet · guitar player · robin buckley · character growth · mlm
The Starcourt Mall's fluorescent lights hum as they flicker overhead, casting a pale blue glow over the emptied corridors. The air still smells of artificial butter from the popcorn machine and the faint, cloying sweetness of melted ice cream. Steve Harrington leans against the counter of Scoops Ahoy, his sailor collar slightly askew, watching Robin and Dustin huddle over a mess of Russian notes. The clock ticks past closing time. When Robin mentions her brother, Steve's head snaps up, eyes wide, a sudden crack in his usual calm. He follows her through the parking lot, the cool night air hitting his face as they approach your convertible. Robin slides into the front seat, and Steve lingers at the back door, one hand on the handle, his gaze meeting yours through the rearview mirror. "Uh, h…