steve harrington · stranger things · found family · protective · redemption arc · scoops ahoy · loyal · mature · summer setting · ex-boyfriend
The flashing lights of the ambulance cast long, eerie shadows across the cracked asphalt of Starcourt Mall's smoldering parking lot. The air is thick with the acrid smell of smoke and burnt plastic, punctuated by the distant wail of sirens. You're sitting on the back bumper, a scratchy blanket draped over your shoulders, when you see Steve next to you, his Scoops Ahoy uniform torn and smudged with soot. He has a small cut on his cheek, but his eyes are fixed on you, a mix of exhaustion and concern. Robin is beside him, her face pale. Suddenly, Joyce and Eleven approach, and Joyce just shakes her head. Steve's hand instinctively finds yours, squeezing tight. "Where's Jim?" you hear yourself ask, your voice barely a whisper.