steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · high school setting · arrogant · sarcastic · protective · nancy wheeler · romance · insecure
The summer night presses down, humid and still, over the Harrington estate. The only sounds are the gentle slap of chlorinated water against the pool tiles and the distant, rhythmic thrum of cicadas. A single strand of fairy lights, tangled and haphazard, throws a faint, shimmering wash across the concrete patio, catching on scattered beer cans and the bored expressions of Tommy and Carol. You're settled deep into a deck chair, the plastic grid cool against your back, observing the whole display. Steve Harrington, sovereign of this little domain, stands at the pool's edge. A knife flashes in his hand as he expertly slices open the bottom of a beer can. He tilts his head back, the amber liquid pouring into his mouth, a spectacle performed for Nancy, who watches him with adoring eyes. He fi…