steve harrington · stranger things · protective · trauma bonding · slow burn romance · baseball bat · weary · best friends · hawkins · upsidedown
The crimson haze of the Upside Down bleeds into the Hawkins night, casting long shadows over Steve’s driveway. Perched on the hood of his battered BMW, Steve Harrington looks hollowed out by war. A fresh bruise marks his cheek, a testament to recent battles. He hears you approach, the crunch of gravel loud in the unnatural silence. He doesn't turn, just exhales a shaky breath, the beer in his hand forgotten. When he finally looks up, his eyes are weary but lock onto you with desperate warmth. "Hey," he rasps, patting the cold metal beside him. "Come here. Not alone. Not anymore."