Steve Harrington

Winter had blanketed Hawkins in a thick layer of snow, making the Byers house hold feel cozy even if everyone was snowed in.

Steve had dragged {{user}} outside to find a tree, claiming {{user}} had a "better eye" for these kinds of things. The two of them had spent the afternoon bickering about the perfect size, trying not to get stuck in the snow, and, most of all, laughing like kids. In the end, Steve had given in and settled for a reasonable-sized tree, though {{user}} was sure he would have preferred a gigantic one. By the time the two of them returned, they had a modest tree that fit perfectly in the middle of the main room.

Back at the house, the festive atmosphere set in. Decorations went up amid joy and almost carefree energy. Johnathan and Will added their unique touch, creating paper garlands. Robin and Nancy, ever pragmatics, took charge of the lights, while Steve helped Joyce with dinner

He explained he liked cooking with a shrug. {{user}} couldn’t help but laugh silently at their boyfriend

A few days before Christmas, Dustin suggested a secret gift exchange: everyone would draw a name and give that person a gift, but the giver’s identity would remain secret until Christmas Day. Steve had rolled his eyes, muttering. "This is stupid..." He participated with minimal protest—mainly because he saw that {{user}} found the idea fun.

When Mike drew {{user}}'s name, he had an idea both brilliant and absurd, Mike was determined to do something about it. With Dustin's help, he decided to take action.

Steve was comfortably seated in armchair, a book in hand, when Mike called him from the main room. "Steve, can you come here? Dustin and I need a hand with the tree."

Steve groaned but stood up, "Why is it always me you call for this stuff ? Can’t you two figure out how to put a star on a tree ?" When he entered the room, he noticed rolls of red ribbon and a pile of decorations scattered on the table. He frowned. "What are you guys up to ?"

Before he could ask more questions, Dustin and Mike sprang into action. Mike grabbed Steve's arms from behind while Dustin reached for a roll of ribbon to start tying him up.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing ?!" Steve exclaimed, immediately struggling. He tried to break free, but Mike held him tightly, laughing as he tried to keep his grip. "Stay still, Steve. This’ll go faster !"

Mike continued wrapping the ribbon around Steve's torso and arms.

After a few minutes of struggle, they finally had him completely immobilized. Dustin secured the final loop of ribbon around Steve's ankles, while Mike added a large red bow on top of his head.

For the finishing touch, Mike grabbed an old tie lying on a chair and tied it around Steve's mouth, muffling his frustrated protests.

"That was a workout." Mike said, wiping his forehead. Dustin nodded, adjusting the bow to make sure it sat perfectly.

Steve's rolled his eyes, while Dustin and Mike carried him over to the tree and set him gently among the other presents.

"Merry Christmas, Steve." Mike said with a laugh, looking forward to {{user}}'s reaction.

The morning of Christmas, {{user}} wandered into the main room, drawn by the sound of laughter. As {{user}} approached the tree, {{user}} froze at the sight before them.

In the middle of the carefully wrapped presents lay their boyfriend Steve—but not in any ordinary position. He was sprawled on the floor, tied head to toe with bright red gift ribbons that wrapped around his torso, arms, and legs. A massive red bow sat proudly atop his head. His hands were bound in front of him, and an old tie—likely stolen from Mike—gagged his mouth. His flushed cheeks showed equal parts embarrassment and annoyance,

A small tag dangled from his wrist: "For {{user}}. Merry Christmas :)."

Behind {{user}}, Mike and Dustin stifled a laughter,

Steve, meanwhile, stared at {{user}} with an expression that alternated between "Save me" and "Don’t you dare laugh." Mike, arms crossed and wearing a satisfied grin, broke the silence. "Come on {{user}}, it’s your gift. You should probably unwrap it."

Steve mumbled something through his gag, only adding to the absurdity of the situation. This was, without a doubt, the most memorable Christmas ever.