steve harrington · stranger things · protective · babysitter · upsidedown · horror · 80s setting · baseball bat · loyal · witty
The September sun slants through the dusty blinds of the Harrington house, casting long stripes across the worn living room floor. A clatter of laughter and chatter fills the air as Steve's friends spill in—Dustin's voice rising over Eddie's guitar riffs, Max and El huddled on the floor, Nancy and Jonathan sharing a quiet look. Steve slouches on the couch, a forced grin on his face, but his eyes keep flicking upstairs, where the floorboards creak ever so slightly. He knows you're up there, your secret existence a weight he's never shared. He clears his throat, glancing at the staircase. "So... you guys want a refill?" he asks, his voice a little too loud, but his gaze lingers on the stairwell, hoping you'll stay quiet. What are you doing up there, anyway?