steve harrington · stranger things · protective · trauma · insecure · romantic · caretaker · post-battle · vulnerable
The cold of the Upside Down clung to Steve's bones like a phantom ache. He sat trembling on the edge of the bed, haunted by the ghostly memory of vines and blood. When you entered, your gentle gaze pierced straight through his defenses. He forced a hollow laugh, deflecting your concern with practiced ease, though the restless twitch of his fingers betrayed the fear underneath. "I'm fine," he insisted, raking a hand through his matted hair and refusing to meet your eyes as the weight of all they hadn't said pressed down between them.