𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯

dependent blog for stechoesrp

[kiingsteve]

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" Always the babysitter. Always the goddamn babysitter ! "

STATS.

name: steve harrington

age: 20

pronouns: he/him

sexuality: bicurious

occupation: video store clerk, part time coach

ABOUT.

steve for the most part is following canon up to s4 unless anyone wants to discuss changing an event/plot that steve was apart of

after helping to defeat vecna, steve is trying to get back to normal, but certain dreams/visions are making it very difficult

the echoes are causing him to dream of another reality where his entire life and all his current relationships are different

it's confusing him and it's making him look at the people around him a bit differently

more tba !

[jo-nathanbyers]

Jonathan let his eyes wander as he waited for Steve, briefly wondering if the video store was usually this empty—as well as how that could be possible, with Steve Harrington as the face of it. At Steve's instructions, Jonathan paused, not sure which candy would be the other man's preference. Inevitably, he just grabbed nearly one of every kind, his arms full as he followed Steve to the other room.

Dumping the pile onto the table, Jonathan spun to look at the other man. "Uh, yeah, sure. And I don't have to pay for any of these, right?" He glanced back at the pile, and at the soda Steve was now acquiring for them.

Movie, candy, drinks, and two people. "This what you do on all your first dates?" Jonathan joked.

[kiingsteve]

Steve glanced back at the pile of candy, smiling at the variety before shaking his head. "My treat, Byers." He grabbed two sodas from the fridge, bringing them over to the table and taking his seat.

"Honestly, no. You're special," admitted in a tone that could be taken lightly, but it was a touch too soft to be dismissed at the same time.

The video store was where he hung out with Robin and Connie, two friendships he cherished. He might overshare about his love life to them, but it would feel too weird to bring around a random date to the store. Jonathan might seem like an odd choice, given their history, but he was nothing like any date he had before, unofficial or not.

"Call it a date, just don't call it a bad one," he joked, trying to hide his nerves as he settled into his seat.

[constanceelisee]

Connie had to admit that the fact her ears turned red instead of her face was useful. So Susan nor Steve would notice she was blushing.

"There," Connie said, awkwardly.

Susan looked at them, flipping her hair. "Well, I should've figured weird girls were you type, since you hang out with Robin all the time. Tell Uncle Leo, I said hi," she said, before storming off.

Connie sighed, realizing she'd probably have to apologise a million times for Susan to forgive her. Or else family reunions would be awkward.

"So...you thought I was way too cool for you," Connie said, with a smirk.

[kiingsteve]

Well, Susan was not entirely wrong since there was a period of time when he liked Robin.

"She's your cousin?" He asked, not having realized that until Susan's last remark.

Steve released Connie, rolling his eyes at her statement. "Don't even start." He was sure she already knew the answer to that. He had seen the kind of guy she usually went for and it was nothing like him.

[nancyfiles]

Nancy couldn't remember the last time she'd had a full night of rest. Her sleep was constantly interrupted since the incidents that had occurred over the last few years. Nightmares, insomnia; she was beginning to wonder if the dark circles under her eyes would be permanent. When the words she wrote for her next article began to blur, she knew that she needed a break. A walk and some coffee possibly. Something to keep her going for the rest of the day.

When she stepped out of the news office, she took a deep breath of the fresh air. The news office always smelled like stale paper, old coffee and cigarette smoke. "I'm taking a break," Nancy explained when she spots a familiar face. "Coffee? I'll buy."

[kiingsteve]

Steve was done after a shift at Family Video. He was getting more and more comments about his growing dark circles every day, and he was getting more creative with his excuses. It felt like a game at this point. When Nancy seemed to pop up out of nowhere, he felt like he was being greeted by an angel when she mentioned coffee.

"God, yes," he accepted, falling into step beside her. "Is the paper keeping you busy?" He asked with a friendly smile.

[jo-nathanbyers]

"Not a fan of horror?" Jonathan questioned. "Well, that explains it. I guess it is a little different than the usual action, but..." he shook his head, not really wanting to elaborate for fear of actually angering Steve with his movie prejudice. He'd been told by both Will and his mom that he was often too specific with his taste in media.

"Dawn of the Dead, definitely," Jonathan decided, returning Steve's smile. "Am I, uh, going behind the counter, or do you guys have a secret backroom where you slack off to?"

[kiingsteve]

"I never disliked it, but if I have to watch Nightmare on Elm Street one more time, my own nightmares might start attacking me." Steve raised a brow at his tone. Not offended. He knew if anyone was going to have some specific tastes, it would be Jonathan.

"There is a backroom," he confirmed, holding up a finger to signal the other to wait as he dug behind the counter. He pulled out a bell and a ring for help sign. "Follow me and grab some candy."

Steve moved out from the counter, grabbing a copy of Dawn of the Dead before he led the other male to the store's backroom. "Do you want a pepsi? We have a stash of regular and wild cherry." There was a table, an out of date but decent TV, cabinets, and a mini fridge.

[rheaalden-ste]

Rhea accepted the bottle he held out, fingers brushing his for a second before she pulled back. She gave a small, almost shy smile at his joke about having enough brats to look after. “Good to know I’m not adding to the workload,” she said lightly, though her voice carried a hint of sincerity beneath the teasing.

She twisted the cap off and took a small sip, letting the fizz settle on her tongue before answering his question. Her gaze drifted out toward the yard, the street, the quiet Hawkins afternoon. “It’s… different,” she said honestly. “Quieter than I’m used to. Slower, in a way that’s not bad. Just… new.” She glanced back at him, her expression softening.

“People are nicer than I expected,” she added. “Or maybe just nosier. Hard to tell.” A small breath of a laugh escaped her. “But I don’t hate it,” she admitted. “Feels like a place you can breathe. Even if everyone knows everyone’s business.” She lifted her beer slightly, like a small toast. “And you’re not a bad welcome committee, for what it’s worth.”

[kiingsteve]

Steve took a sip of his beer as he leaned back against the kitchen counter. He listened to her description of Hawkins, holding back a retort about it being anything but quiet. She had come too late to see all the craziness they had been through with Eleven and the Upside Down place, but she would definitely hear the stories.

"A little of both. Depending on who you're talking about," he added jokingly, brushing his fingers through his hair. He liked Hawkins. It had a charm that was definitely unique, but he did have a more reserved approach to people he had once called friends. He knew he had no right to judge anyone. He tried not to, but knowing how much he disliked who he used to be, it was hard not to judge when he recognized those same traits in someone else.

"I appreciate that," he assured. "I know I work a lot, but I'm here if you need anything or if you have questions." He shrugged, taking another sip. "Mom tries, but she's more checked out than she realizes. And Dad is... around." He wasn't trying to badmouth their parents, but it was better to be honest.

[rangerlucassinclairx]

The whole situation was becoming more and more absurd and Lucas had no idea how he was supposed to deal with it anymore. First Steve had gotten angry at him for no reason, then he had simply wanted to leave and now he suddenly wanted to just keep playing basketball with Lucas. Uncertainly, Lucas still held onto the ball as Steve stepped back onto the court and told him to keep practicing.

Steve could be very convincing and intense, so Lucas was tempted to just do what the older boy said and continue training. But his thoughts were racing and in his mind he kept replaying how angry Steve had seemed toward him just moments ago. So he kept holding onto the basketball and didn’t do Steve the favor of simply going back to normal as if nothing had happened.

“What just happened?”, Lucas asked again instead. “Why were you suddenly so angry at me? Why did you suddenly talk to me like we’re enemies and hate each other?” Again, Lucas tried to study Steve, trying to read from his response what was really going on here. His gut feeling was getting worse and worse and Lucas genuinely felt like something was seriously wrong.

[kiingsteve]

Steve sighed, standing up straight when the younger tried to press for answers again. Unfortunately, he had no real answers to give him. "I don't have any answers for you, Lucas. Do you want to play or not?" He asked, knowing that he was failing at his job of being the responsible adult.

But all Steve really knew was that he had been having too vivid dreams for a while, and now he was struggling to maintain the boundaries between the dreaming and the waking worlds. He had no idea if it was just all the bullshit they had been through catching up to him or something more. He had a feeling it was something more, but he was unwilling to admit that just yet. There was no way he was saying it out loud to Lucas.

[kiingsteve]

location: harrington home ( 4th of july event ) for: @chosenbyechoes

the harringtons were hosting a neighborhood barbecue, and steve only agreed to hang out if he could invite whoever he wanted. of course, that included kids, including eleven. it had taken a lot of convincing from hopper, but he had come up with a surprisingly simple, but genius idea in his opinion. since the 'upper' class of hawkins was all about gimmicks, meaning a lot of people would be wearing obnoxious face paints and accessories for the holiday, he suggested that eleven wear a mask. specifically, it was a masquerade mask, decorated with the american flag and gemstones, including feathers that would cover most of her face. he even asked his new sister to help style her hair, so she looked like she could be any number of hawkin's teen girls. it was a bit much, but it was the best way to keep eleven safe while also letting her join in on the fun.

"okay, hamburger or hot dog?" he asked, approaching the young girl with a choice of two plates. the grill was crowded, so he had volunteered to procure food while she hang back. since the whole thing had been his idea, he was making an effort to make sure she had a good time as they waited for fireworks.

[jo-nathanbyers]

Jonathan considered it, realizing that whatever happened would end with the two of them watching a movie together. But he liked hanging out with Steve, so surprisingly, he found that he really didn't mind. "Y-Yeah. Yeah. Well, let's hear it."

His eyes widened at Steve's suggestions, surprised at his actual movie knowledge. "Wow, Dawn of the Dead. How did you know?" He didn't expect the other man to suggest one of his favorite movies. "But—Escape from New York? Really?"

[kiingsteve]

Steve shrugged. "It's a classic, I mean, if you like that kind of movie," he admitted. Horror movies were not his favorite, but he had a new appreciation for them thanks to Connie. "Really?" He repeated, shaking his head. "I liked it, it was— different from the usual action movies I watch." He chuckled. "So... what are we watching today?" He asked with a friendly grin.

[constanceelisee]

Connie covered her mouth trying to hide a smile. Then she felt guilty because in a way she had brought this upon him. So she grabbed his hand. "Sorry, Suzie. But we're on a date. Turns out this asshole was just trying to find the courage to ask me out," she said, with an apologetic smile.

"Is that right...babe?" Connie fought the urge to cringe.

Susan stared at them. "How long have you been dating?" she frowned

"Since last month," Connie was concerned on easily how the lie came. "Want us to kiss or something?"

[kiingsteve]

"Right... right." Steve wrapped an arm around Connie's shoulders. "I wasn't sure a cool girl like her would like me," he admitted, glancing over at Connie.

Susan was still unconvinced. "Seriously?" She asked because there was no way the former king of Hawkin's high was fawning over this goth chick. Even she was pretty.

Steve knew that Susan was not the shallow type, he blamed it on her hurt pride, but he didn't want to act like Connie was beneath him either. That was why he leaned forward, pausing for a brief second to let Connie know his intentions, before he connected their lips in a soft kiss.

"I'm serious," he said as he pulled away, glancing between the two women.

[jo-nathanbyers]

"Oh, sure," Jonathan mused, "just idealistic ones where the underdog becomes the hero."

As Steve leaned forward, Jonathan followed suit, placing his hands on the edges of the counter. "Go for it." And after a beat, he tilted his head slightly, "But if they don't cut it, what are you gonna do?"

[kiingsteve]

"Those are the best," he mused, grinning as the other copied him. "Well, either you admit I can pick a good movie and you watch one with me... or I have to suffer through something you pick," he challenged, hoping it wasn't too obvious that the outcome was the same.

"So, dawn of the dead, escape from new york, or altered states," he suggested, hoping at least one of his suggestions would impress the other.

[jo-nathanbyers]

"Well, good on both of them," Jonathan nodded, turning his gaze to the VHS tapes instead of the other man. "Rocky is... an interesting choice. Not sure I should trust your recommendations anymore."

He gave Steve a small smile, shaking his head. "So that's what you watch in your free time? When you're not doing sports, you're watching movies about them? And here I thought you had taste."

[kiingsteve]

"Come on, Rocky is a legend," Steve responded, shaking his head. "Okay, I have taste. I don't watch just any sports movies."

He leaned forward against the counter, trying to defend himself. "You want a good recommendation?" He asked without waiting for an answer. "I can name three movies right now that I bet would be just up your alley."

[jo-nathanbyers]

Jonathan hadn't exactly been avoiding Steve Harrington, but he hadn't seen him since their impromptu hangout in the woods by Lover's Lake, and the longer it went, the more anxious he was getting. And then he was avoiding him. But now, seeking something other than the chick flicks the Wheelers owned, Jonathan forced himself through the door of Family Video—nervous and, weirdly, eager.

The store was empty, and Jonathan watched Steve open his mouth to talk, but he still jumped at the sound of his voice. "Uh, no. Not exactly. Just... something not Pretty in Pink."

[kiingsteve]

"Right, so no rom coms," Steve mused, brushing his fingers through his hair. "Well, are we thinking something scary or more action? Or both?" He asked, trying to sound casual even if he was dying to talk to the other male about something other than movies. Steven Harrington was no coward, but now that he had a chance to face a newfound fear of his, he found himself stalling.

"Connie's made sure I know of at least one horror movie for every letter of the alphabet, and Robin has refused to let me watch Rocky on repeat anymore."

[constanceelisee]

"Well, not everyone is a romantic like you, Steve Harrington," Connie said, moving her hand to her pockets.

"Hey...is this like a date date or like are we just doing this to see what girls are still disappointed?" Connie suddenly asked. She gestured around her. "Cause Susan Parker is walking toward us, and she does not look happy,"

[kiingsteve]

"Honestly," he started, "I wasn't sure."

Steve opened his mouth to say more, but Susan was suddenly in his face, asking him why he had failed to return her calls. He backed up, trying to make up a plausible excuse to calm her down.

[kiingsteve]

location: family video for: @jo-nathanbyers

after their last unexpected hangout, and a long winded discussion from robin, steve felt the need to seek out byers. he knew he was taking a huge risk, but after all they had been through, he was almost sure that jonathan would keep his secret if he didn't feel the same way. so, even after trying to find the other at his usual haunts without any success, he was glad when jonathan walked into the store while he was working.

"are you looking for anything specific, byers?" he asked out loud since the store was empty for now.

[rangerlucassinclairx]

Lucas' eyes widened in alarm again and he flinched slightly when Steve yelled at him once more. For a moment, he seemed just as aggressive as he had a minute ago. Lucas was definitely intimidated by it and his first instinct was to back down and retreat. But he didn't. Instead, he stood his ground and kept looking at Steve without backing away. "Man, you're being seriously creepy right now," he said, shaking his head.

He tossed the basketball from one hand to the other and thought for a moment. "But I don't want to go home at all!" he argued. "I'm not done practicing yet. We haven't even been playing that long..." Lucas crossed his arms over his chest a little stubbornly and let the ball fall to the ground at the same time. "If everything's supposedly fine with you, then we can just keep playing," he said at last, a hint of provocation in his voice as he raised an eyebrow questioningly and almost challengingly.

There was no way he believed Steve when he said everything was okay. But Lucas couldn't and wouldn't just let this go. Not after everything they'd already been through together. "I promised myself I wouldn't just stop asking questions when something like this happens anymore," he added more quietly and seriously. "That's gone wrong way too many times." It had already turned into an absolute nightmare with Max. And with plenty of other people in Hawkins, too.

[kiingsteve]

Steve threw his hands up, knowing that the most normal route was that he owed Lucas a lesson in basketball. The kid was good, but he still knew a few moves that he could teach him

"Fine, we can keep playing," he gave in as he set down his water bottle.

He moved back onto the court, feeling somewhat guilty because he knew what the younger had been through. "You start again," he spoke, unwilling to give him answers, but he wouldn't leave him alone. If he could get through the rest of this practice without acting weird, Steve believed he could put him at ease.

"Alright, stop talking and show me what you got, Sinclair," he urged, trying to take his mind off what had just happened. For both their sakes.

[kiingsteve]

moodboard 002: steve + jonathan

( @jo-nathanbyers )