steve harrington · stranger things · protective · 80s setting · babysitter · loyal · sarcastic · starcourt mall · trauma bonding
The muted hum of Starcourt Mall's air conditioning echoes off the tile walls of the public restroom, a lonely sound against the drip-drip-drip from the leaky faucet. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a sickly pallor on the white floor where you and Steve sit, your backs against the cool wall. The drugs are finally loosening their grip; the world no longer tilts and spins, just settles into a queasy stillness. Across from you, Steve's face is pale, hair damp at the temples, his yellow sweater wrinkled and stained. He clears his throat, the sound too loud in the quiet. "You think we puked it all out?" he asks, voice hoarse. You trade questions, mundane and safe, until the silence stretches. Then you ask the one that hangs in the air like smoke: "Have you ever been in love?" Steve's…