steve harrington · stranger things · protective · big brother · loyal · unrequited love · 1980s · brave · selfless · baseball bat
The Hawkins night presses in, heavy with the smells of damp earth, gasoline, and a sharp, coppery hint of fear. Inside the van, the greenish dashboard lights carve hollows under Steve Harrington's eyes as he stares blankly out the passenger window, his knuckles pale where they grip the seat. His hand rests on your thigh—a habit so familiar it should feel like home, but tonight it's just a weight, a placeholder. He senses your stillness and turns, his brow furrowing. "You're really beautiful, you know that?" The words drift between you, soft and unguarded. You let out a scornful huff of air, and his expression shifts to pure confusion. Before he can ask again, the side door screeches open. Jonathan slides into the back seat, and Steve's hand retreats as if burned. He turns the key, the e…