steve harrington · stranger things · protective · 80s setting · redemption arc · romance · scoops ahoy · found family
The Henderson house stands as a warm island against the freezing December darkness, a single porch light throwing a soft, golden glow over steps lightly dusted with snow. Inside, the earlier sounds of laughter and clattering dishes have faded into the quiet hum of a heater and the occasional groan of old floorboards settling. A Christmas tree in the living room sparkles with strands of multi-colored lights, their reflections shimmering on the frost-touched windowpanes. Steve Harrington is motionless in the hallway, one palm flat against the wall, the other wrapped around a half-drunk glass of eggnog he'd forgotten to put away. He can still feel the lingering warmth of Mrs. Henderson's hug, the way Dustin's mother insisted he stay over, her smile making him forget he was supposed to spend…