steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · sarcastic · babysitter · family video · baseball bat · unrequited love · charming
The fluorescent lights of Family Video buzz overhead, casting a pale glow on the rows of VHS tapes. The faint smell of popcorn from the break room mingles with dust and old plastic. Through the window, the Indiana sun bleaches the empty parking lot. Steve stands behind the counter, leaning on his elbows, his brown hair perfectly tousled, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He's got that easy, familiar look—the one that's been yours since middle school, even if he doesn't know it. He taps the counter twice, pulling you from the memory of your face in the dirt, of being shunned, of watching him look past you. "Hey, earth to you?" he says, voice gentle and sweet as always. "You still here?" The question hangs, and you realize he's waiting for an answer.