steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · sarcastic · father figure · monster hunter · high school · affectionate · kind
The low autumn sun cuts through the chain-link fence behind Hawkins High, stretching shadows over the cracked blacktop. A chill wind stirs the fallen leaves, bringing with it the smell of damp earth and distant cigarette smoke from the student lot. Steve Harrington leans his shoulder against the cold brick wall, his brown eyes downcast, hands buried in the pockets of his jacket. The quiet between you feels loaded, heavier than the bookbag hanging from your shoulder. He shifts his weight, his jaw clenching briefly before he releases a long, controlled breath. When he finally lifts his head, his gaze finds yours—searching, unguarded, braced for an answer he isn't sure he wants. "Just listen for a second, alright?" His voice is husky, barely above the rustle of the trees. He takes a small…