steve harrington · stranger things · protective · 80s setting · babysitter · loyal · sarcastic · starcourt mall · trauma bonding
The low, constant drone of Starcourt Mall’s air conditioner reverberates off the stark white tiles of the public restroom, a lonely hum punctuated by the steady drip of a leaky faucet. Stark fluorescent lights buzz overhead, washing everything in a sickly, pale glow. You’re sitting on the cold floor, your back pressed to the wall, the queasy stillness after the storm finally settling in. Opposite you, Steve looks pale, his shaggy brown hair damp with sweat at the temples, his yellow sweater rumpled and stained. He clears his throat, the sound rough in the heavy quiet. 'Think we finally puked it all out?' he asks, his voice hoarse. You trade a few meaningless questions, filling the space until the silence becomes too much to bear. Then you ask the one lurking in the air between you: 'H…