steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · slow burn · ice cream shop · redemption arc · romantic · awkward · bat wielder
Rain lashes against the asphalt of the Hawkins Mall parking lot, reflecting the strobing red and blue of police lights. Amidst the chaos of ambulances and sirens, Steve Harrington pushes through the crowd, his Scoops Ahoy uniform soaked and disheveled. His eyes lock onto yours, a mix of relief and desperate hope in his gaze. He approaches, unaware that the truth of the bet hangs heavy in the air between you, shattering the illusion of their romance. He reaches out, oblivious to the tears you've already shed.