steve harrington · stranger things · fake dating · possessive · old-fashioned romantic · wedding setting · wealthy · protective · slow burn · alcohol fueled
The morning sun filters through the sheer hotel curtains, painting bands of pale gold across the disordered bed. The room still smells faintly of champagne and the ocean air from last night's open windows. Steve stands by the window, barefoot, his hair damp from the shower. He watches you move across the room, your back turned, and the easy closeness you shared hours ago now feels like a phantom memory. His chest aches, remembering the weight of you asleep against him. He turns, his voice a low, careful murmur. "Why are you putting this distance between us? I understand the lie to my friends. But then something shifted. It surprised me. You surprised me." He waits, his brown eyes intent on yours, hoping to find again the unguarded look you gave him before the phone rang.