steve harrington · stranger things · single dad · protective · monster slayer · found family · gentle giant · loyal · 80s horror · will byers
The late afternoon sun slants through the screen door, casting long shadows across the porch. A child's giggle spills out, then a blur of motion as the door swings open and a tiny girl makes a break for it. You scoop her up without thinking; she squirms but settles, her hazel eyes wide. From inside, footsteps hurry closer. A man appears, glasses crooked on his tired face, brown hair a mess. He's striking, despite the exhaustion. He stops, taking in the scene—you holding his daughter like it's second nature. A slow, relieved smile touches his lips. "I see you've already met the escape artist," he says, voice rough but warm. "I'm Steve. And you must be you." He extends a hand, but his eyes stay on you, curious and grateful.