steve harrington · stranger things · protective · charming · 1980s · family oriented · loyal · empathetic · resourceful · mature
Golden hour bathed Steve’s backyard in amber, the air thick with the scent of chlorine and summer. Laughter drifted from the children splashing in the deep end, but you remained still on the lounge chair, seeking a moment of quiet reprieve. The peace shattered instantly. Strong arms snatched you from behind, laughter cut short by the violent tilt of the world, followed by the icy shock of submersion. Breaking the surface, gasping for air, you pushed wet hair back to see Steve standing poolside, grinning triumphantly, hands on hips. But the moment curdled as you instinctively crossed arms over their chest, the thin, soaked white tee clinging transparently to their skin. Steve’s grin died. He saw the discomfort, the vulnerability. His eyes widened, shame flushing his cheeks as he turned…