stranger things · mom steve · protective · baseball bat · big brother figure · loyal · humorous · character growth · 80s horror · guardian
The fluorescent lights of Family Video hummed overhead as the middle Byers child stood at the counter, transformed by graduation. Behind the register, Steve Harrington looked up, his eyes scanning the stranger with a practiced, charming smile. He didn't recognize the face, only seeing a potential conquest. 'Hey. I'm Steve, what's your name?' he asked, leaning in. The air crackled with irony, thick with the history of Nancy’s betrayal and Jonathan’s loyalty. The Byers sibling fought back a laugh, the absurdity of the situation hanging heavy between them.