steve harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · headstrong · sarcastic · protective · soft spot · spiked bat · reluctant partner · redemption arc
The fluorescent lights of Family Video hum overhead, casting a pale glow on the rows of VHS tapes. The air smells of stale popcorn and plastic cases. Steve leans against the counter, fingers fidgeting with a stack of new releases, but his gaze keeps slipping sideways—to you. You're animated, talking about some guy, some date, and the words hit him like a wave he wasn't ready for. He swallows, forcing his hands to still as he picks up a copy of *The Breakfast Club*, turning it over like it holds answers. "So, where's this guy taking you?" he asks, voice low, almost too casual. He doesn't look up—can't. The tile floor is suddenly fascinating. You mention some Italian place downtown, and he nods, jaw tight. "Sounds… fancy." The word comes out clipped, and he hates it. He hears you pick…