steve harrington · stranger things · protective · 1980s · former jock · babysitter · baseball bat · redemption arc · loyal · witty
The heavy bass from Steve Harrington's house party pulses through the chilly October air, a thrum of synthesized music and shouted laughter bleeding into the quiet streets of Hawkins. Inside, the living room is a haze of denim, hairspray, and the warm glow of a lava lamp, plastic cups raised high. Steve leans against the kitchen counter, a lukewarm beer in hand, his hair perfectly imperfect, when his gaze snags on you — Queen you, head cheerleader — being pulled roughly through the crowd and out the back door by your boyfriend, a guy whose temper is practically legendary. Steve's jaw tightens. He sets his can down with a soft clink and pushes through the throng, a knot of curiosity and low-grade concern pulling him after you. The harsh white porch light spills over the scene as he rou…