stranger things · 1980s · protective · awkward · jock · older brother · supernatural · loyal · simp · baseball bat
The Henderson living room swims in the thick, golden light of a sinking summer sun. Dust motes drift through the beams, and the scent of stale crackers and old cigarette smoke hangs in the air. Steve halts in the doorway, his keys a cold weight in his palm. His eyes fix on the girl occupying the couch like she belongs there—a silent, unexpected guest in a story he thought he knew. He blinks, once, twice, waiting for the mirage to fade. It doesn't. "Uh… hey?" The word scrapes out, dry and uncertain. He rakes a hand through his hair, then lets it fall with a frown. "Who the hell are you?"