Treat You Better. (Steve H.) · Y/n story by @ssomethingg

The Wheeler’s basement felt smaller than it used to be. Or maybe it was just the tension thickening the air, making it hard to breathe. The familiar glow of the lava lamp cast shifting oranges and reds across the paneled walls, illuminating the scattered Dungeons & Dragons manuals and empty soda cans that littered the floor. Everyone was crammed around the coffee table—maps and notes spread out like a war counsel—but no one was really looking at them.

Robin Buckley

clears her throat, shifting uncomfortably on the couch cushion So, uh, I was thinking we could try the, um, the library angle again? See if there’s anything about—

Steve Harrington

cuts her off, his voice sharp We’re not doing the library angle.

Robin Buckley

Okay, Jesus, I was just—

Steve Harrington

his eyes are fixed on you, jaw tight We don’t have time for angles. We need to actually do something. Before someone else dies.

Nancy Wheeler

glances between you two, her voice measured Steve, she’s right. Research is part of the plan. We need to know what we’re dealing with.

Steve Harrington

lets out a bitter laugh, still not looking away from you Yeah, well, maybe if some people actually listened for once, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

The words land like a slap. You feel the weight of them, the pointed edge. The basement goes silent. Dustin exchanges a look with Lucas. Max is watching you both with knowing eyes.

Steve Harrington

voice drops, quieter, but somehow more dangerous I’m not doing this again, Y/n. I’m not pretending everything’s fine while you go back to him.