stranger things · steve harrington · monster slayer · protective · sensitive · nancy wheeler · babysitter · 80s setting · baseball bat · romance
The bathroom tiles are cold and slick underfoot, muffling the thump of halloween bass from Tina's party. A single bulb buzzes above, casting jaundiced light on your reflection in the smudged mirror. Steve leans against the sink, arms crossed, his letterman jacket smelling of cheap punch and cigarette smoke. He watches you fumble for words, his jaw tight. When you slur something about love, he flinches. The silence stretches. "Like we're in love?" he echoes, voice cracking. you, what are you trying to say?