Best Stranger Things Fanfic: Protective Steve Moments

February 4, 2024 Cindy

Key Takeaways:

Steve Harrington’s journey from bully to protective big brother is a fanfic goldmine.
Fanfic writers love expanding on Steve’s role as the “big brother” figure, showing even more heartwarming and heroic moments.
Stories about Steve protecting the group, especially Dustin and Eleven, dive deeper into his character and loyalty.
If you’re a fan of Steve’s bravery and loyalty, these fanfics will give you all the feels.
These alternate universe stories let us see Steve’s protective side in creative and exciting new settings.

Introduction

Let’s be real—Steve Harrington’s transformation in Stranger Things from a cocky high school bully to the fiercely protective “Mom Steve” is one of the best character arcs in the series. I love watching characters grow, and Steve’s change into this protective big brother feels so real. It’s easy to see why fanfic writers are obsessed with exploring this side of him. These stories expand on those moments where Steve steps up to shield his friends, showing just how far he’s come since his Season 1 days. In this article, we’ll dive into the best fanfics that showcase protective Steve moments. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these.

Steve’s Character Evolution in Stranger Things

Steve went from a guy who cared more about his hair than anything else to someone who’s literally battling Demogorgons to protect his friends. Watching that evolution unfold is a big reason why I’m such a huge fan of his character. Fanfiction takes that growth and runs with it, showing Steve in all sorts of situations where he steps in to protect the people he cares about. Whether it’s fighting monsters or just handling the everyday dangers of Hawkins, fanfic writers give Steve the chance to shine.

Key Moments in the Show

Steve joining Jonathan and Nancy to fight the Demogorgon at the end of Season 1.
Becoming the group’s unofficial babysitter in Season 2, and wielding his now-iconic nail bat.
His heartwarming dynamic with Dustin, which gave us some of the show’s best moments.
Always being ready to throw himself into danger for his friends, especially in Seasons 3 and 4.

Top Fanfic Recommendations Featuring Protective Steve

If you’re as hooked on protective Steve as I am, you’ve gotta check out these fanfics. They take everything we love about him in the show and dial it up. You’ll find Steve jumping into the action, protecting the people he loves, and proving why he’s the ultimate big brother.

“Guardian of Hawkins”: This one’s a favorite because it shows Steve stepping up after the chaos of Season 3, taking on an even bigger role as protector of the kids. It’s got a great mix of action and heart.
“Bat out of Hell”: If you love Steve going up against monsters from the Upside Down, this fic is perfect. It’s packed with tension, and you’ll be rooting for Steve every step of the way.
“Brother’s Keeper”: This story nails the Steve and Dustin dynamic. It’s all about their big brother-little brother bond, with Steve risking it all to keep Dustin safe.

Protective Steve and His Relationship with the Kids

Steve and the kids? It’s one of my favorite parts of Stranger Things. Watching him go from a guy who’s more interested in his own problems to someone who’ll risk everything to protect the kids was so satisfying. In fanfics, that fatherly instinct is turned up even more, with Steve often stepping in to protect the group in ways that are both heroic and heartwarming.

Fan Favorites That Capture This Dynamic

“The Babysitter Chronicles”: This fic does such a great job of capturing Steve’s “babysitter” role. It’s got everything—heart, humor, and action—and watching Steve juggle his personal life while protecting the kids is super fun.
“We Got This”: I love how this one puts Steve in the spotlight during a dangerous mission. The tension is real, and Steve is the perfect leader, keeping everyone safe even when things get intense.

Protective Steve in Action: Battling the Demogorgon

Fanfic writers totally run wild with Steve’s moments of bravery, especially when it comes to his battles with creatures from the Upside Down. These scenes are always a fan favorite, and I have to say, reading them in fanfics somehow makes them even more intense. Steve going full hero mode is just something I’ll never get tired of.

Brave Steve in Fanfic

“Nail Bat Hero”: This fic is one of my go-tos for a good action-packed Steve moment. The way he faces off against Demogorgons with his trusty nail bat? You can almost feel the tension and hear the screeching of the monsters as you read.
“Through Hell and Back”: The stakes in this story are sky-high, and Steve’s the only one who can protect the group. The way he faces his fears and throws himself into the fight just makes you love him even more.

Steve and His Dynamic with Dustin

Steve and Dustin’s friendship? It’s easily one of my favorite parts of the show. The way they bounce off each other is both hilarious and heartwarming, and fanfics do such a great job of digging deeper into their bond. Steve steps into this big brother role, and the stories that highlight this relationship never fail to make me smile.

Best Stories Showcasing Their Heartwarming Moments

“Little Brother”: This fic nails the Steve and Dustin relationship. It’s emotional, it’s exciting, and when Steve risks his life to save Dustin, you just feel the love between them.
“Code Red”: I’ve got a soft spot for this one. It’s all about Steve rushing to save Dustin, and the way their friendship is written makes it even more intense and heartwarming at the same time.

Steve Protecting Eleven

Even though Steve and Eleven don’t have as many moments together on the show, fanfics love exploring this potential relationship. They give us a new angle on Steve’s protective side, showing how he steps in to help Eleven when she needs it most. It’s always interesting to see how fanfic writers imagine this bond growing.

Exploring Their Evolving Relationship

“Big Brother Steve”: This story gives us all the feels. Steve becomes a kind of guardian for Eleven, and watching their bond develop is both heartwarming and emotional. It just feels right, and seeing Steve watch out for her is super satisfying.
“Safe Haven”: Steve shielding Eleven from a new threat? This one has all the tension and heart you’d expect. It shows how much Steve truly cares about everyone in the group, even if they haven’t had as much screen time together.

Steve and Nancy: Protective Moments in Fanfiction

Steve and Nancy may not be together anymore, but there’s no denying Steve still cares about her. Some of the best fanfics explore how Steve’s protective nature kicks in when Nancy’s in danger. These moments give us a peek at the old Steve and Nancy dynamic, even if they’ve both moved on.

“Second Chances”: This one imagines Steve and Nancy reconnecting after Season 3, and it’s packed with moments where Steve steps in to keep her safe. It shows just how much he still cares, even if they’re no longer together.
“Safe and Sound”: This short story is all about Steve’s instinct to protect Nancy during a Demogorgon attack. The tension is so real, and you can feel how much he still wants to keep her safe, no matter what.

Steve and Robin: Friendship and Protectiveness

Steve and Robin’s friendship is one of the best parts of Stranger Things. In fanfics, writers love showing how Steve’s protective side extends to Robin, especially in dangerous situations. Their sibling-like bond is always fun to read, and it just makes their friendship even stronger.

“Side by Side”: This story highlights how protective Steve is of Robin, especially when things get dangerous. You can see how much he values their friendship, and it’s heartwarming to watch him step in to keep her safe.
“Just Friends”: I love how this one dives into Steve’s protective instincts when Robin is going through a tough time. It’s not just about physical danger—it’s about Steve being there for her emotionally, too.

AU Fanfic: Steve in Different Worlds

Alternate universe (AU) fanfics are always a blast because they put Steve in totally different settings while keeping his protective instincts intact. Whether he’s a knight in shining armor or the leader of a group of survivors, Steve’s character stays the same—he’s always looking out for the people he cares about.

“Knight in Shining Armor”: If you’ve ever wondered what Steve would be like in a medieval setting, this fic has you covered. He’s literally a knight, and his protective nature is stronger than ever. It’s a fun, creative take on his character.
“Dystopia”: In this AU, Steve leads a group of survivors in a dystopian world, and his role as protector is cranked up to the max. It’s one of those fics where you really see how much responsibility he takes on.

Case Studies: Most Loved Protective Steve Fanfic Moments

Some of the most popular fics featuring protective Steve have become fan favorites because they capture everything we love about him. Stories like “Shield” and “The Defender” have really hit home with readers, and it’s easy to see why. They give us those intense, emotional moments where Steve’s loyalty and bravery shine.

Why These Fanfics Resonate

These stories work because they show Steve at his best—brave, selfless, and always putting others first. They highlight exactly why we love him, and you can’t help but root for him in every scene.

Conclusion

In the end, what really makes Steve such a fanfic favorite is how writers take his epic transformation and run with it. His protective side is something we all love, and fanfics let us see even more of those heroic, heartwarming moments that make Steve such a great character. Whether he’s battling monsters or just keeping his friends safe, Steve’s the kind of guy you want on your side—and that’s what makes reading about him so satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is Steve Harrington such a popular character in fanfiction?
Steve’s evolution from a self-absorbed jock to a fiercely protective friend just resonates with fans. His mix of humor, loyalty, and bravery is perfect material for fanfic writers.

Q2: Which fanfic showcases Steve’s protective side the best?
Fics like “Guardian of Hawkins” and “Brother’s Keeper” are top picks for fans who love protective Steve moments. These stories show him at his best.

Q3: What kind of relationship does Steve have with Dustin in fanfics?
Steve and Dustin’s brotherly bond is a fan favorite. In fanfics, Steve often takes on a protective, almost fatherly role toward Dustin, and it’s always heartwarming to read.

Q4: Are there fanfics where Steve protects Eleven?
Yes! Stories like “Big Brother Steve” show Steve stepping in as a protector for Eleven, and they really dive into their evolving relationship.

Q5: What are AU fanfics, and how do they portray Steve?
AU (Alternate Universe) fanfics place Steve in different settings, but his protective nature always stays the same. Whether he’s a knight or a leader in a dystopian world, he’s still the Steve we know and love—always looking out for others.