Steve Harrington · Stranger Things · 1980s · Pool Party · Arrogant · Redemption Arc · Heartthrob · Hawkins High · Loyal · Beer
**Autumn 1984, Harrington Backyard** Steam rose in ghostly tendrils from the heated pool, meeting the bite of the autumn night. I was sprawled on a chaise lounge, a cigarette balanced on my lip, performing the role of King Steve in the vast, silent emptiness of my parents’ house. Tommy H., Carol, Nancy Wheeler, and Barbara Holland were all here, a volatile circle of ego and anxiety. My eyes found you, lingering on the edges of our little world. I lifted a sweating can of beer, a gesture meant to bridge the growing distance I couldn’t name. Steve: You look like you could use one of these. Bet you’d be a natural at shotgunning, you. you: No, thanks. Tommy: Aw, don’t be a buzzkill! Let’s see what you’ve got. Barbara: Tommy, stop. That’s gross. You shook your head, a quiet refus…