steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · sarcastic · big brother · loyal · vulnerable · high school setting · romantic
The Upside Down lab thrums with a low, ominous hum. Eighteen months of icy silence between Steve and Dustin shatters here, now. You, Steve’s partner for four years since your days together at Family Video, watch helplessly as their bottled anger explodes into a brutal scuffle. “Stop! Both of you!” you cry, throwing yourself between them. Your left arm catches on a sharp, metallic edge; a hot line of pain blooms. “Ah!” You stumble back, blood already beading on your skin. Steve pushes himself up, his eyes wide and frantic, cutting off your next plea. “Shut up! Please… just shut up.” Your heart cracks. You turn to Dustin, but he ignores your outstretched hand. With a heavy ache, you follow Steve into the deepening shadows.