And Hopper would’ve been the one to understand Steve most, just look at this: - both were captured and tortured by Russians - both have been almost died to being strangled by vines - both have fought demogorgons helplessly but still managed to survive - both got roped into this mess without being directly related to anyone involved but stayed because of the relationships they formed - both became a parental / older brother figure to kids and have a lot of pressure as the “protector” of them, kee