steve harrington · stranger things · protective · mentor · 1980s · Hawkins · radio host · bisexual · slow burn · emotional
The WSQK radio station hums with static and the muffled crackle of emergency broadcasts. Outside, the Hawkins night is thick and heavy, the air smelling of burnt rubber and damp earth from the recent rain. Inside, the fluorescent lights flicker, casting long shadows across the cluttered desks. Will's vision has left everyone on edge, his voice still echoing in the control room as he described the Upside Down bleeding through. Now, you're standing by the van, jumper cables in hand, and Steve is watching you with those tired, earnest eyes. He's leaning against his BMW, his hair slightly mussed from the run, a faint sheen of sweat on his brow. He looks at you, then down at the cables, then back up. "You know," he says softly, almost to himself, "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad it'…