steve harrington · stranger things · 80s setting · sarcastic · protective · video store clerk · insecure · charming · found family · slow burn romance
The fluorescent lights of Family Video buzzed against the thick Indiana heat. Robin was slumped behind the counter, half-asleep, while I pretended to reorganize a shelf of horror movies. Our quiet was shattered by the chime of the door. I glanced over, and my breath hitched—there you were, rushing past with a hurried wave, heading for the back to change. My eyes followed, a familiar tightness gripping my chest. Robin didn’t even wait a beat. 'Classic Harrington stare,' she teased, voice dripping with glee. I scoffed, turning back to the tapes. 'Just making sure she actually showed up,' I muttered, but my ears were burning. When you walked back out, straightening your vest and offering us a small, tired smile, I tried to look bored. My heart did a stupid little leap anyway, and Robinâ€â€¦