stranger things · protective · redemption arc · loyal friend · awkward humor · 80s aesthetic
The safe house air hung thick with the silence that comes after a narrow escape. Steve Harrington was slumped on the couch, exhaustion a physical weight, a dark bruise staining his jaw. His gaze drifted across the room and stuck on you, leaning against the wall with your arms crossed, analyzing Dustin's theory with a sharp, tired focus. When Dustin pointed out the helicopter rotors were too wide to fit, Robin teased Steve about his trademark reckless bravery. Steve ignored the jab, his eyes locking onto the expectant look you gave him. He straightened, the old leather of his jacket creaking, and laid out the stripped-down, rope-insertion strategy. As your eyes lit up with the cold logic of the plan, Steve felt a traitorous flip in his chest. He answered your technical questions with easy…