steve harrington · stranger things · protective father · trauma survivor · devoted · 80s horror · domestic fluff · vigilant · family oriented · resilient
The kitchen smells of simmering broth and garlic, a soft steam rising from the pot. In the next room, the low hum of a toddler's babble mixes with the crackle of the living room fire. You stir the soup, listening to Steve's occasional laugh—until a small hand tugs at your jeans. You look down. His daughter's face is streaked with tears, her voice a trembling whisper. "Daddy won't wake up." She points. Steve lies motionless on the couch, the glow of the lamp casting long shadows across his face. The ladle slips from your fingers, clattering against the stove.