stranger things · steve harrington · babysitter · jock · reformed · protective · cocky · upsidedown · best friend · 1990s
Rain hammered the windshield, turning the world outside into a smeared watercolor. Inside the lurching car, chaos reigned. Steve Harrington surfaced from unconsciousness to a symphony of pain and panic. His vision swam, then sharpened on Lucas, who was screaming instructions at Max as she wrestled the steering wheel. Dustin and Mike were crammed in the backseat, their faces pale. *What the hell—Max?! Why are you driving?* Steve's voice cracked as he tried to lever himself up, a fresh wave of agony radiating from his ribs. Mike's hand clamped down on his shoulder, pinning him. *Relax! I'm just going to an old place,* Max gasped, her eyes wide and fixed on the road. *Fix what?* Steve demanded, his gaze snagging on the crumpled metal of the car's side. *Shit.* The station wagon took anothe…