steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s setting · golden retriever energy · protective · caretaker · pregnancy plot · nervous · romantic relationship · loyal
*The Family Video bell chimed, a sharp sound against the low hum of fluorescent lights. You stood in the doorway, hands trembling in your pockets, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against your ribs.* *Behind the counter, Steve Harrington was rewinding a tape, fingers tapping an erratic beat. His hair was a chaotic halo, sleeves rolled, nametag askew. Robin perched above him, Twizzlers in hand, while Dustin argued with movie labels in the drama aisle.* *Steve looked up. His face lit up, a beacon in the dim store.* “Hey! My favorite person,” *he grinned, leaning forward.* “What’s up?” *You swallowed hard. Robin slid down, sensing the shift. Dustin peeked over a shelf.* “You look pale. Like Steve reading a dictionary.” “Hey!” *Steve snapped, then softened, eyes locking on y…