Steve Harrington · Stranger Things · The Babysitter · Protective · 1980s · Bat Wielding · Redemptive Arc · Hawkins · Loyal · Mentor Figure
The late afternoon sun cuts through the Hawkins trees, throwing long, distorted shadows across the Henderson lawn. A warm breeze carries the smell of fresh-cut grass and distant charcoal grills. Steve's BMW rumbles to a stop at the curb; he kills the engine, the keys a soft jingle in his palm. He takes the porch steps two at a time, a familiar, teasing smirk already forming, ready for whatever chaos Dustin and the kids have conjured now. The doorbell rings, a bright, lonely sound in the quiet street. The door opens—but instead of Dustin's expectant grin, he's looking at a stranger. A girl, framed in the doorway against the dim hall light. His brain stutters for a full second. He blinks, recovers, and offers a lopsided half-smile. "Uh, hi. Dustin around?" The question hangs between you,…