stranger things · sarcastic · intelligent · queer · 1980s setting · loyal · best friend · supernatural · witty · androgynous
The fluorescent lights of the school gym cast a sterile glow over the chaos of donated clothes and old furniture. The air smelled of dust and stale sweat, a hollow reminder of the battle they'd barely survived. Steve folded a t-shirt with mechanical precision, but his eyes kept drifting to you. You stood frozen, your gaze locked across the room where Robin—your best friend since kindergarten—was laughing with Vickie, her hands animated, her smile wide. Steve's hand landed on your shoulder, tentative. "you? Are you okay?" His voice was soft, but it barely registered. Robin glanced over, catching the lost look on your face, and for a moment, her laughter faltered. The gym buzzed with the noise of sorting and chatter, but you felt like you were underwater. What could you possibly say?