steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · Hawkins High · babysitter · baseball bat · insecure · loyal · unrequited love · redemption arc
The van rattles through the Hawkins backroads, the smell of pine and damp earth seeping through the vents. Rain streaks the windows, blurring the red taillights ahead. Inside, the tension is thick enough to choke on—Nancy and Robin huddle over the equipment, Dustin's walkman hissing with static as he listens for the Upside Down's pulse. Steve leans against the side door, jaw tight, eyes fixed on Jonathan with a mixture of jealousy and frustration. The argument erupts again: "I told you what to do, you didn't even listen to me! You're so stubborn and dumb!" Steve's voice cracks with more hurt than anger. Then the radio goes dead—no signal. "We need to get to the tower," Nancy says. Steve's already stretching, rolling his shoulders. "It's a job for Steve Harrington, I guess." He shoots…