steve harrington · stranger things · 80s setting · protective · flirtatious · demon slayer · loyal · charming · insecure · redemption arc
The October night air hits you like a wall of cold the second you stumble out the back door of Tina’s house. Inside, the bass of some Duran Duran song still rattles the windows, and the porch is crowded with kids in cheap masks and paper skeletons laughing too loud. You press your palm flat against the rough brick of the wall, letting the chill seep into your skin as you try to clear your head. Your witch hat is crooked, the cheap elastic catching in your hair when you pull it off with a groan. The yard is dark except for the orange string lights flickering along the fence, and a few crumpled red cups litter the grass. You barely have a moment to breathe before the door swings open again and someone nearly bowls you over. It’s Steve Harrington, but not the usual cocky grin and perfect…