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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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false god: part one || s.h. x fem!reader

A/N: this was written a year ago and i just found it so yea! not proofread either TWS: cursing

the hot sun felt like it was searing into your skin, the stifling air felt like a weighted blanket on a warm night. your old, red, tattered sunglasses weren’t helping much either. you had a loose t-shirt on and jean shorts. your shirt was old, stained, and ripped in some places so you wore a thin tank top underneath. your book, which was now hot, rested on your leg as you sat in a criss-cross position on your lawn chair. you were sitting by your backyard fence, facing the vast extent of trees that were scattered next to your house. the soft rustling of leaves brought you out of your book and back to reality.

you set your feet on the ground, gently sliding them into your worn down sandals before leaning forward to peer at who was making their way back to your hiding place.

to your obvious surprise, steve harrington walking over, muttering something under his breath and shaking his head. his hand was shielding his eyes from the sun despite the black ray-bans adorning his face. he was in a loose t-shirt and long jeans. despite the heat, he didn’t look sweaty.

as soon as the brunette looked up, a startled look washed over his face, stopping dead in his tracks, and his hand falling down to his side.

“oh,” was all he said. “sorry. didn’t mean to interrupt what you were doing.”

you gave him a thin, tight-lipped smile. it was genuine and friendly but laced with confusion and wariness. “you’re fine. can i help you?”

“actually yes,” replied steve. you could see the exact moment where his heart dropped. “i mean, as long as you’re not busy.”

you shook your head. you slid your homemade bookmark into your book, stood up, and set the book on your chair. you leaned back, stretching your tight back. “no, of course not. i was just reading. what’s up?”

“d’you know who dustin henderson is?” asked steve hesitantly. something was in his voice that you couldn’t quite pinpoint. a tone, or feeling of some sort. the closest thing you could describe it as would be embarrassment.

“yeah, ’course i do,” you answered, nodding. “short, curly hair, wildly smart?”

steve nodded. “i’m kind of his babysitter. he told me to meet me behind this house at the end of his street. i was wondering if you possibly saw him.”

“no, sorry,” you responded, bringing your hand up to shield your eyes from the sun. you chewed at your bottom lip, debating your next move. you had heard steve harrington changed – for the better – but you still didn’t quite trust him. he seemed nice enough but you couldn’t help but wonder if it was all a trap to make a fool of you. you had seen your friends getting picked on firsthand by king steve. it had been a year or two since you and steve graduated high school and ever since he left, you had heard nothin’-but-nice things about him. however, he seemed genuine and you wanted to help him. it didn’t help that he had a massive growth spurt since high school – a good one at that – but you pushed that silly thought out of your mind. “i can help you,” you offered before you could stop yourself. “look for dustin. i could help you look for him. he’s my neighbor, i’ve seen him go back there a million times. i even helped him sneak through after my dad yelled at him for crossing over our lawn to do illegal shenanigans – they were just testing a science project.”

steve nodded and gave you a smile. it was small, fleeting, and probably meant nothing but you couldn’t stop your heart from fluttering. you attempted to reciprocate the gesture but steve was already making his way through the shrubbery beside your house.

the trees and bushes were thick. you got scratched by several branches and you heard scurrying – which you prayed was nothing more than a stray – and the mosquitos were everywhere.

“if you don’t mind me asking,” you began, wiping the sweat from your forehead. the sun was more bearable simply because of the trees blocking out some of the light. “why’d dustin ask you to meet him in the middle of the forest?”

“i dunno,” mumbled steve honestly. “he’s really into dungeons and dino– what’s the name of the game?”

“dungeons and dragons?” you offered patiently, biting back a laugh.

“that’s the one,” said steve, pointing at you whilst nodding. he ran his fingers through his hair before continuing. “he always does shit to harass me. i swear he thinks of me as a servant and not a young adult. i’m pretty sure he’s using me to drive him places.”

“not bad. he’s got his priorities in order,” you returned, shrugging before laughing softly.

steve laughed too before giving you a quiet, “yep.”

the silence that followed after your small exchange was peaceful and not at all awkward like you had expected.

after a few minutes of aimlessly walking, steve worked up the courage to ask about the book you were reading.

“what was that book you were reading?” steve asked, looking over at you. for a split second, the boy thought you went a little pink. it could’ve been the unbearable heat or maybe, just maybe, you really blushed. whatever it was, it went as quickly as it came.

you smiled. this is too good to be true, you thought to yourself. steve harrington asking about me and my life? insane. “it was little women,” you replied. “have you read it?”

“i can’t say i’ve had the pleasure,” said steve, looking thoughtful. you couldn’t help but notice how the ends of his hair were damp from sweat and how his – now retired due to fogging up – sunglasses were perched on the top of his head. “’s it good?”

“it’s one of the best books you’ll ever read, i can guarantee you,” you answered confidently. it was the first time during your little excursion with steve that you actually felt yourself. you felt at home. it felt normal to be trekking through the woods with the steve harrington.

“oh is it?” quipped steve, grinning at your confidence.

“’course, i don’t lie about books, how low of a person do you think i am?” you demanded jokingly. you pushed your hair out of your face as well as the strands that were glued to your forehead by the sweat. “what books do you read?”

“you want me to be honest?”

“’course i do.”

“i’m not much of a reader,” admitted steve, looking embarrassed and sheepish. “i mean, i know how to read – of course i do–” why are you getting so flustered? demanded steve in his head. scolding himself, he regained his composure. “i read occasionally but it’s not a hobby of mine.”

you smiled through a lip bite, taking note of how flustered steve looked. “alright, that’s fine.” it could’ve been the sweltering heat that made you so confident, or the fact that you were holding a normal, respectable conversation with steve but you continued. “if i leant you my copy of little women would you read it? be honest, it’s fine if you say no.”

“y/n, do you realize how sweet that is?” asked steve, still in shock that you said that. it was clear that your books were your prized possessions and steve was clearly not a “book guy” so he found it terribly kind that you were lending a stranger one of your prized possessions.

you were taken aback by the sudden rawness of the conversation. “i– um– it’s not that serious, really,” you mumbled, looking down and shrugging awkwardly.

“i dunno, it was really nice though,” chided steve, his tone gentle but certainly not patronizing.

“thanks.”

the two of you hiked around for a while afterwards until steve had the brilliant idea to just go skull rock and hope someone was there. when you and steve reached skull rock, you saw a small group of boys talking animatedly.

you beamed at steve and he grinned back. steve was beginning to feel warm on the back of his neck but it wasn’t because of his excess of hair, or the heat.

“henderson!” called steve, waving his arms as the two of you stepped under the shrubbery surrounding the stone sculpture. you could see dustin sighing.

“steve,” called back dustin, exasperated. “what the hell took you so long?” mike nodded in agreement, mirroring the exasperated look. will just shrugged and shook his head and lucas did the same.

“well maybe it’s ’cause you four shitheads – that’s excluding will and lucas – gave me wrong information!” snapped steve, placing his hands on his hips maternally. lucas smirked and nudged will who was smiling.

you finally made your way through the bush. “hi guys,” you announced, smiling and giving a small wave. “alright, i’ll leave you boys to it. bye steve, bye guys!” you made your way to leave.

“hey, wait!” exclaimed steve, spinning around. “you helped me find them, you can stay.”

“steve, you found them,” you contradicted, shaking your head. “i was just there for... emotional support.”

“oh, you’re saying i’m emotionally unstable?” asked steve, a small, swift smile playing across his lips which you reciprocated. if you were to look at the boys, you would’ve seen them all wiggling their eyebrows and each other and biting back laughter.

“maybe i am,” you quipped, shrugging. steve placed a hand on his chest in faux offense.

“y’know, i thought we were really bonding–”

“zip it, harrington, i’ll stay,” you interrupted and walking closer to steve and the kids. “hey dustin.” you nodded acknowledgements to the other boys. you saw them all the time with your neighbor but you never actually met them.

“so, are you two...?” asked lucas slowly.

“oh no!” both of you exclaimed in unison, going slightly pink. “no, it’s nothing like that,” you continued. you paused. “he’s not even my type.”

steve nodded vigorously in agreement, despite his heart dropping. “yeah, like you’re not even close to what my type is, no offense.”

your heart fell a little. “yeah, right back at you.”

dustin’s lips were in a thin line, nodding his head and rocking back and forth on his heels with what appeared to be mockery and sarcasm. “yep, sure. that’s what you said about robin, right? and didn’t you tell me that you felt the same way about nancy at first?” dustin looked at you a mischievous smirk on his face. “y’know, you never struck me as a liar, y/n, but if you are fibbing, just know that steve is probably already in love with–”

“dustin, keep talking, will you?” butt in steve, shaking his head and rolling his eyes, his cheeks were a soft shade of pink.

steve nodded, listening closely as dustin animatedly explained a new dungeons and dragons concept. you had no idea what he was talking about and by the looks of steve’s face, you could tell he had no idea either.

after a little while, dustin and the gang were finally finished. “alright, should we walk back together?”

“sure,” you and steve said in agreement.

“henderson?” asked steve suddenly. “why’d you drag us into the woods to talk about dungeons and dragons?”

“correct that sentence, steve!” exclaimed dustin, beaming. “i dragged you into the woods to talk about dungeons and dragons. you were the one who dragged your girlfriend into the woods.”

“hey!” exclaimed steve, face-palming. “for the last time, y/n y/l/n is not my girlfriend! and if i had known you were in the middle of the fuckin’ woods, i wouldn’t have brought her.”

will shrugged and gave steve a kind smile. “i dunno, i think it’s romantic.” steve stared at the boy disbelievingly.

“keep saying that and only two people will be making it out of the woods and that will be me and y/n,” riposted steve. “assholes.”

“babysitter, huh?” you questioned, a smirk on your face. steve’s anger melted away and he smiled.

“yeah, well i’m really just their chauffeur, y’know?” steve answered. you laughed.

“’s nice,” you said, looking at steve, your face serious. “it’s nice how you care for them. despite you calling them derogatory names, you’re a great babysitter. i can see how much you care for them.”

“really?”

“really. you drove through an unfamiliar neighborhood, talked to a stranger, and trekked aimlessly through the woods all for them to explain one dungeons and dragons concept,” you said, ticking off each thing steve did on one of your fingers.

before steve could reply, mike yelled back to you and steve, “guys, we’re out.”

you stood on your tiptoes to get a look at the clearing that was behind underbrush only to see your house standing there. as you got closer you could see your once forgotten items scattered about near where you were sitting.

“alright guys,” you said as soon as the group emerged from the trees. “here’s my house. it was nice seeing everyone.” you nodded at dustin and his friends. “good luck with your game, ’kay? don’t cause too much trouble. don’t drive steve into insanity. g’bye!” the boys smiled and waved at you as they all walked away. you quickly noticed that steve had hung back.

“hi,” you said. “you gonna drive them home?”

“nah,” said steve, shaking his head. “lucas was saying something about a sleepover at dustin’s.”

“oh okay.” the two of you stared at each other awkwardly for a few seconds. the sun had went down a little bit, dipping behind your house and casting an orangey glow on everything. “can i get you something to drink? or to eat?”

“no,” said steve quickly, shaking his head. “thank you. i don’t wanna be a bother.”

you shook your head quickly. “no, no, you wouldn’t be a bother. not at all. my dad’s on a business trip for the week and my mom... well you’ve heard.”

“you sure?” asked steve hesitantly.

“of course, i can’t journey through the woods with someone and not invite them to dinner,” you joked, your eyes twinkling.

that got a smile from steve. “alright but i’m helping you cook.”

“fine,” you grumbled. you picked up your book as steve scooped up your lawn chair with ease. “no!” you exclaimed, shaking your head at steve. “stop it, you’re the guest. i got it.”'

“it’s not a problem really,” said steve hastily, following you into your garage. “plus, my grandmother would kill me and then herself out of shame if i didn’t.”

you laughed. “as would mine. i guess we have more in common than we thought.” steve let out a chuckle before folding up the chair against the wall.

“thanks,” you said as he stood with a flourish.

“anytime,” he replied immediately, shrugging as if it was nothing. you opened the door in your small garage that led to your house.

“welcome to casa de y/l/n,” you exclaimed. “’s really just me most of the time but legally, my father owns this house so i feel obligated to say y/l/n and not y/n.”

steve snorted. “another thing i can relate to. my parents are never home.”

“wow, maybe it’s a hawkins thing,” you suggested. you led steve into your home, giving him a tour starting in the living room and ending back in the front of the house.

“’s very nice,” complimented steve.

“thanks,” you said, walking into the kitchen, steve at your heels. “so, i have some food in the fridge and you can pick what we make, is that okay?”

“perfect.”

“what music do you like?” you asked suddenly as steve was exploring your refridgerator.

“i dunno. i like popular stuff – i’m not a metal guy,” he replied, looking thoughtfully at you.

you laughed as you exited the kitchen. “lemme guess, you have a metal loving friend?”

“well, not really my friend. dustin’s friend. he’s pretty cool though,” steve replied as you began to card through your vinyls in the living room.

“alright, is blondie okay?” you inquired, holding up a blondie vinyl so steve could see.

“i love blondie.”

“that’s a true mark of a good person,” you said, pointing at him.

he grinned at you.

once you set the vinyl up on your victrola, you walked into the kitchen to see steve cutting tomatoes.

“whatcha makin’?” you asked, stepping behind him.

“salad.”

“oh nice. i’ll make sandwiches, how’s that sound?” you offered.

“sounds good,” replied steve, tossing the sliced tomatoes onto a bed of lettuce.

the two of you cooked together quietly and softly humming blondie under your breaths.

finally, the two of you were finished and seated, music still playing and the food on the table.

“the salad looks great,” you said, smiling at steve as you dug your spoon into the bowl. he went a little pink.

“you think?” he asked, screwing up his lips to one side.

you nodded earnestly.

he scratched the back of his neck and laughed. “’s the only thing i know how to cook.”

you plopped a hearty portion of the salad down on your plate before the realization washed over you. you paused. “steve?”

he was already digging into your sandwiches.

“aren’t you home alone most of the time?” you asked slowly. steve nodded.

“it’s really not that bad,” said steve hastily, catching on. “my parents always provide me with food before they leave–”

you could tell it was a lie just based on his movements. you shook your head. “tomorrow, i’m coming over with food.”

“y/n, you don’t–” you held your hand up and steve stopped talking immediately.

“i refuse. i’m coming over tomorrow and i will be there with food,” you interrupted sternly, your eyebrows screwing up as you stared him down.

“y/n–”

you put your hand on his. despite the severity of the situation, steve couldn’t help his heart from fluttering. yours did too.

“steve. you cooked for me, okay? let me help you,” you said firmly, staring him in the eyes. “please?”

steve gave you a small smile and nodded before pulling his hand from underneath of yours and putting it on top. “thank you. is there anything i could do for you? you can’t just expect me to let you bring food to my house and not do anything.”

you wondered if steve could notice your heart pounding against your ribcage. he had to have noticed, it felt incredibly noticeable.

you grinned at him. “i’ll let you know.” steve grinned back as “i’m gonna love you too” played softly in the background. steve and you just noticed that your hands were still touching at the same time. steve quickly pulled away, looking down.

the two of you continued to eat in a peaceful silence.

•••

it was late when the two of you finished your dinner – probably 7 o’clockish – because the two of you kept stopping your meal to tell a joke or a story.

“alright,” said steve after he – to your reluctance – helped you clean up. “i think that i’ll head home now. i don’t want to be a bother.”

“no!” you exclaimed quickly. too quickly. “you’re not a bother. you’re always welcome here.”

steve smiled at you. “sorry, my salad wasn’t as good as it usually is. kinda wasted all your vegetables too.”

you shook your head. “no, you’re salad was great actually. the vegetables usually go to waste anyways. i’m more of a fruit girl and my dad is practically carnivorous. i swear he only eats so much steak just to prove he can afford it.”

steve smacked his lips together and smiled. “i think it’s a hawkins thing.”

you nodded, fighting the urge to say “or just us.” “well, i won’t keep you.” steve slid his hands into his baggy pockets before walking out the door, you at his heels.

“wait!” you exclaimed suddenly as steve was making his way into his car. steve stared at you dumbly.

“what?”

“stay right there, i’ll be right back!” you exclaimed, already dashing back to your front door.

steve sat there, unmoving, until you returned with something in your hands.

“almost forgot,” you said, handing steve the object with a massive smile on your face. steve took the object and stared at the text, trying to read it in the diminishing glow of the setting sun. little women. you remembered.

steve smiled up at you, his eyes bright. “you remembered.”

you rubbed the back of your neck, your cheeks growing warm. “i mean, it was only earlier today.” you inhaled as steve asked, “i’ll see you tomorrow?”

you nodded and just as steve went to pull out of your driveway, you ran up to his window. he immediately hit the breaks.

“um, steve?”

“yes, ma’am?”

it bothered you how your heart pumped a little louder and harder when steve said certain things to you. you’d only really talked to him once. you shouldn’t be feeling the things you were feeling that soon. but you were and you couldn’t stop it.

“i had a nice time today,” you said, smiling. “with you,” you added. “even if it was chasing wild teenagers through the woods. i had a really nice time today. probably the nicest time i’ve had all summer–” your breath hitched before mumbling, “’m going to shut up now.”

steve a small smile stretched across steve’s face. “i had a really nice time with you today too.”

and just like that, steve’s stupidly fancy car pulled out of your stupidly lame driveway and steve’s stupidly handsome face smiled at you as he drove away.

god, you were hopeless.

#stranger things #steve harrington

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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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Anonymously tell me what you’re thinking of

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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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hes such a cutie you guys i love him so bad

#joe keery #djo

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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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JOE KEERY & MAYA HAWKE as Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley — Stranger Things 4 (2022)

#stranger things #steve harrington #robin buckley #maya hawke #joe keery

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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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I can’t wait to see how the next chapter goes!!!

The Harrington Dating Experience

Part 4

<- Part 3 // Part 5 ->

After a night out with Steve's sisters you begin to question if you're potentially ruining your friendship with Steve. The morning brings a new day and new challenges to face, like a wedding rehearsal dinner.

*not proofread so if you saw any mistakes no you didn't :)

Word Count: 3,211

Masterlist // Steve Harrington Masterlist

*dividers by @strangergraphics

You were still at the club with Lillian, Abi and all her friends and had maybe had a few more drinks than you would normally have just to settle your nerves as the night went on. Everyone else had thrown back numerous brightly coloured shot glasses before they found their way out onto the dancefloor, and even one of Abigails’ friends, Melanie? or maybe it was Melissa? had tried to drag you to join them, but to your already out-of place and uncomfortable self that seemed like the worst thing in the world right now. You refused as politely as you could, shaking your head and pushing her away until she seemed to back down.

The slowly melting ice clinked in your cocktail glass as you swirled your straw around, wishing that you were anywhere else but here right now.

You rise from your seat to carefully push your way through the crowds of people, tapping Abi on the shoulder as you pass her, giving her a gentle squeeze of a hug and letting her know that you're dropping out early. She smiles and gives you a nod of understanding, appreciative that you brought yourself out of your comfort zone to spend time with her family and friends if only for a few hours.

You stumble your way into the safe space of the club’s restroom, closing the door behind you, leaving behind the world of fluorescent lights, and headache-inducing music, knowing that you were absolutely at your limit.

You reach for your bag to dig out your phone and your fingers quickly find Steve’s name in your contact list.

You hit the call button, and it rings for only what must have been one and a half beats before he picks up and the gentle rumble of his voice reaches your ears.

“Hey, Honey..” your heart clenches at the affectionate pet name, even through the phone he’s playing the part of the perfect loving and doting boyfriend, even though you know it’s probably for show, and that Lance and his father are almost definitely rolling their eyes at him right now. “..Is everything okay?”

“Stevie…I need you to come pick me up…please…” your voice comes out as more slurred than what you had hoped for, your last drink suddenly hitting you now that you're away from the bustling, compact heat of the club.

“D-did something happen? Are you alright, you’re not hurt are you?” he rushes out in a barrage of panicked questions.

“Steve, I’m fine.” you reassure him, and you quietly laugh to yourself when you hear him let out a sigh of relief. “I’m just a little bit drunk and a whole lot of tired.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can, just hang tight for a few minutes, Sweetheart.”

True to his words, Steve is no more than a few minutes as his car rolls up outside the club, he gets out and like a gentleman he opens the passenger side door and helps you slide into your seat.

What you don’t expect is for him to reach across you and buckle your seatbelt for you. The warmly spiced and comforting scent of him surrounds you, the sudden closeness brings a wave of unexpected heat across your face. It’s made even worse when he smiles at you with that all-too charming and boyish smile of his and gives you a line that in part makes your heart melt, and your stomach flip.

“Gotta keep my precious cargo safe, now, haven’t I?” he says cheekily, before pressing a kiss to your warm cheek.

And then as you watch him through the windshield, you see him do that silly little quick-jog to get to the driver’s side door.

“Come on, my passenger princess, let’s get you to bed hm.” he smiles your way before pulling off onto the road.

You don’t remember much of the drive back to Abi’s house, most likely having drifted off whilst the quiet music of the car’s radio faintly plays some soft love song.

But Steve helps to usher you into the guest room as quietly as he can, so as not to disturb his parents sleeping in the other guest room down the hall.

“I'm going to get you a glass of water.” He says, sitting you down on the bed and reaching into the drawer for his own pyjamas. “I'll give you some space to get changed.”

He turns his back as you reach for your pyjamas, leaving the door ajar, in case you need to call him.

You decide on your favourite oversized t-shirt, not caring that the muppets design on the front was a maybe a little childish, and a comfortable pair of shorts before sliding underneath the warms of the plush duvet.

When Steve returns he’s fully dressed, an old Hawkins Tigers gym shirt with a logo that has faded with the wear and tear through the years, and a pair of black boxers that sit comfortably on his soft hips. He leaves the glass of water on the bedside table on your side, and places down two painkillers next to the glass.

“Just in case you wanted them” he says, giving you that sweet, caring smile.

And suddenly there’s a quiet, air of uncertainty that falls between you. Because you’ve already made yourself comfortable under the sheets of the bed, and he’s standing there like he’s unsure of himself. Awkward in a way you’ve never really seen in him. Unsure if he’s crossing a line by sleeping next to you in the same bed.

“Steve, it’s okay, you can sleep next to me. God knows I'm not letting you sleep on the floor. You’ll only wake up with a bad back and you need to be rested for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow.” you tell him and he seems to concede with your reasoning. “Come on in, I don’t bite.” you tease.

That earns you a soft chuckle as he rounds his way over to his side of the bed, slipping underneath the sheets and laying next to you. His body turned on his side, facing your back. And then as you flick the soft-illuminating light of the table-side lamp, your voices comfort each other.

“Goodnight, Steve.”

“Goodnight, Honey.”

Your eyes flicker open, it’s early, that much you know because the sun is barely beginning to peek through the heavy curtains, and your suspicions are confirmed when you see the blinking red 06:12 am on the digital clock on the nightstand. Then you bury your head against soft pillows in an effort to gain at least a few more minutes of sleep.

And then there’s an unfamiliar, and yet, not unwelcome weight draped over your waist.

It’s Steve’s arm. You chance a quick glance behind you, and there he is, his chest pressed closer to your back than it ever was before you fell asleep. His hair is a glorious, tousled mess, and his lips are slightly parted, letting out quiet little snores. There’s the constellation-like scatter of sun-fresh freckles dotting across the strong bridge of his nose, and the accompanying moles that make up his ever so charmingly boyish and lovely face.

But what really tugs at your heartstrings more than anything is the fact that even in his deepest of sleep he’s still reaching for you. Reaching out to you to protect you. To hold your body against his, if only just so he knows that you’d be safe if he was holding you.

It suddenly feels like this fake relationship that you’ve willingly entered feels too close to being real. Friends don’t sleep together like this. But you’d be lying to yourself if you said that this was what you had secretly wished for long before you’d entered this fake relationship with Steve. The boy who held your heart more than he could ever know.

You need to get away, just for a moment, because your heart is racing, and you feel overwhelmed. Your chest feels tight with how quick your heart is pounding.

As carefully as you can, you slip out from underneath Steve’s arm, thankfully Steve’s enough of a heavy sleeper that he doesn’t seem to stir as you get up from the bed.

Coffee. That’s what you need. A warm, and strong drink to wake you up from this comfortable haze of confusing love.

You traipse downstairs into the kitchen, and begin to hunt through the cabinets without making too much noise and waking up everyone else in the house.

And then as you open another cabinet with unsuccessful results you hear a voice come from behind you.

“Here, let me get this, you’re the guest after all.” Abi’s raspy morning voice rattles out as she reaches for two mugs. “Ryan hides his good coffee in the cabinet above the sink, and after last night I need a cup of the good stuff.” she laughs as she begins to make a cup for the both of you.

“Feeling a little worse for wear, huh?” You ask, nodding to her as she reaches for some painkillers and chasing them with a sip of water whilst the coffee brews.

“Yeah I think Lilli and I ended up getting in at about two in the morning, and that's only because the club was closing for the night. So, we called it quits and jumped in an uber.” She nods. “Where did you run off to so early? We didn't even get you on the dancefloor.”

“I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer, but I guess I'm not a club kind of girl.” you tell her before changing the subject “So, the rehearsal dinner’s tonight.” you say, taking the steaming mug that she offers you.

“Yeah, more family and friends are coming up before the wedding tomorrow.” she sighs, she looks a little tired, and you notice that her kind smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Can I be honest with you? I’m a little nervous about how things are going to go.”

“With Ryan?”

“God, no. Not Ryan. He’s honestly the best thing that could ever have happened to me. I’m just nervous about having so many people over here for the rehearsal.” she admits shyly.

“Well, just think of it as that.” you say simply, hoping that your words offer her comfort. “It’s just a big dinner, it doesn’t have to be a big deal if you don’t want it to be.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks, sometimes I think I just get in my own head too much, it’s nice to have someone to sound off to who isn’t in the middle of this crazy family.”

She gives you a hug and a smile before parting.

“Did you and Steve sleep alright last night?” she asks, and although the question is plenty innocent enough, it feels anything but. It brings back the feeling of being so securely held by Steve like you were just a normal couple.

“Yeah, we did, thanks.” you answer as best as you can without giving away how girlishly embarrassed, and giddy you felt to be snuggled in his strong arms.

Steve trundles down still in his old gym shirt, but thankfully now he’s found a pair of sweatpants.

“Aww, look at that. Nice to see my two favourite girls getting on.” he coos. “What are you guys chatting about so early in the morning?”

You share a brief look with Abi smiling at her before you answer.

“Oh, you know, just girly things.”

There’s delicate fairy lights strung from branches in blooming blossom trees, pastel soft flowers in blush pinks, romantic lavender, and baby blue. There's a meticulously decorated dining table under a huge white marquee tent, with everyone’s name placed right where they are due to be seated for the dinner. No doubt worked out by a fine-tuned seating plan for weeks in advance.

There’s already so many people filling up Abi and Ryan’s spacious back garden, friends and family gathered from all over to celebrate them for the next two days. Adults gathered in groups, sipping from bubbling champagne flutes, and young children running around like monkeys loose from the zoo.

You’d thankfully had enough forethought to pack an extra dress in your suitcase for this trip, not wanting to wear your actual wedding guest dress to the rehearsal for fear of somehow staining it during dinner. This dress was a soft, blue dress, with floaty ruffles that fell down the length of your body beautifully.

And Steve’s hand in on your back the entire time as you both mingle with the crowds. Not at all trying to cop a feel, just a gentle reminder to say, I’ve got you.

“Incase nobody’s told you, you’re the most beautiful one here.” Steve whispers in your ear, and it sends a shiver through your body that he says this to you and it’s not for the benefit of trying to convince people of your relationship. He says it just because he can.

“Hey, Hey, Little bro!” Lance calls out loudly as he claps Steve on his shoulder. “You clean up well.”

Well at least you can agree with him there. Steve looks incredibly handsome in his perfectly fitted pale blue shirt buttoned just enough to give you a glimpse of the thatch of his dark chest hair, and his dark navy blue suit trousers, a stylishly perfect outfit for not wanting to ruin his wedding guest suit. His hair is styled in the off-duty model, perfectly imperfect ruffled mess that just makes him look even more handsome. He looks equal parts suave and sophisticated in the best way.

He laughs it off but his brother continues with his questioning.

“You still working at that ice-cream place, huh? What was it called? Frosty Scoops?” he asks, with that slight taunting and condescending tone, like he’s trying to undermine Steve’s job.

“It’s Scoops Ahoy, actually. And no, I’m not working there anymore.” Steve says.

And it’s when Lance’s dark, arching brow raises at Steve that you seize your opportunity to step in and talk Steve up.

“He actually works as the manager of one of Hawkins newest video stores. He’s really good at his job.” you say proudly. “And he coaches the school’s basketball teams on his days off, but then, that’s what happens when you’re the school’s former star player.”

Lance slightly bristles at that. He doesn’t enjoy how proudly you speak of Steve’s achievements. You could never have known that being the best at sports was a source of great pride amongst the men of the Harrington household, with his father pushing both him and Lance to win every game, match and race going. You could never have known the story of how Lance fell short of a full-ride sports scholarship to play soccer in one of the most prestigious colleges in New York on account of his grades slipping so much that not even a bribe from Robert Harrington’s pocket could save him.

But you somehow just nailed him down perfectly. You figured him out just enough to get him to squirm.

And Steve can’t help but smile a little at how well you’re playing along with Lance’s game of point-scoring in this conversation. It’s almost laughable at how little it takes to rile up his older brother.

“Where’s Camille?” Steve asks, landing another point in this game of verbal tennis. Steve knew full well his older brother was not doing well in the divorce from his wife, and that Lance didn’t nearly see his children as much as an involved father would. “Couldn’t she be here?”

“It’s her turn to have the kids this weekend.” Lance replies firmly. “Plus what’s a wedding without a few easy-to-bed babes for a bit of fun?” he grins, brazenly letting his dark gaze slowly rake over your body, even going as far to run his tongue across his teeth in a way that makes you shudder.

Steve’s hand on your back suddenly sweeps around to firmly hold its position on your hip. Immediately wanting to protect you from the lecherous and leering eye of his brother.

But just as Steve was about to teach Lance a little lesson in appropriate behaviour, he’s cut off by the clinking of a knife against a glass to let everyone know that dinner is served.

“We’d best get to our seats, Honey.” he smiles at you, looping his arm in yours before giving Lance his best hard stare as he proudly walks off with you. “We’d hate to miss the starters.”

You both reach your seats, where the table setting in front of you is labelled ‘Steve’s plus one.’

“I guess they didn’t know my name yet.” you chuckle light-heartedly. “I don’t mind though, I kind of like being your mysterious plus one.”

“I wouldn't want anyone else as my number one.” he says, as he reaches for your hand and brushes his thumb over your knuckles underneath the table. My number one, not plus one.

“Ugh, this rehearsal dinner better fly by, or at least serve a half decent glass of chardonnay, because those kids have had me almost tearing my hair out trying to get them dressed this morning.” Lillian sighs as she sits down in the empty seat next to you, nodding over to where two young boys are sitting at a table with the other kids. The boys had been pretty loud the entire time you and Steve had been milling about with the other guests, but you figured that was just the way of how young boys were at boring wedding dinner rehearsals.

“Oh are those your boys?” you ask.

“Yeah.” she says with a glazed over stare. “Listen, whatever bullshit they try to sell to you about being a mother, trust me, it isn’t what it’s all cracked up to be, Sweetie.” she utters before taking a generous swig from her wine glass.

The food is served, one course after the other, each one more decadent than the last, so thankfully for a while the gaze of suspicion on yours and Steve’s relationship was not the focus of the night.

And then as the final course comes out, a selection of mini desserts; cute strawberry tarts, little pink raspberry macarons, lemon cheesecakes served in petite shot glasses and fudgy chocolate brownies. Steve is quickly swiping his spoon through them and offering them up to your lips urging you that these brownies are, in his words, to die for.

And of course he’s right.

“Are you for real right now?” Lillian scoffs from beside you, and suddenly you’re worried that maybe this cutesy show of PDA feels a little too preformative, and that she's got you and Steve all sussed out. “You guys are so sickening, it’s unbearable. You know that whole giddy intensity you guys have going on isn’t going to last.”

And that ignites a fire in the pit of your stomach, so you turn to Lillian, and look her squarely in her hazel brown eyes, and say to her, loudly and clearly enough so that she doesn’t mistake any of your words.

“Actually I hope it does last. I hope it lasts for a very long time. Because I happen to love your brother very much.”

@penguinsandpringleheads @abitchyouhate @mrsjellymunson @myherometalhead @sidereustales @rebelfell @seatnights @scaredofbeingbasic

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x female reader #steve harrington x female reader series #steve harrington x reader fluff #steve harrington x female reader fluff

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harringtons-cupid · 8 hours ago

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I loved this chapter so much!!

The Harrington Dating Experience

Part 3

<- Part 2 // Part 4 ->

As you step through the door of Steve's sister's house, you realise that navigating this fake relationship might be harder than you first thought.

*not proofread so if you saw any mistakes no you didn't :)

Word Count: 3,321

Masterlist // Steve Harrington Masterlist

*dividers by @strangergraphics

Abi ushered you into her house, and you tried not to let the shock and awe show on your face at the absolute enormity of this house.

“Your home is beautiful.” you said to Abi as you peered into the hallway of her home.

And you were about to make your way into her beautiful home, but as you go about to set foot on the rich chestnut coloured wood floor you suddenly stopped, bowing down to unlace your sneakers, thinking that your old, beat-up Chucks were probably not good enough to be trudging through the halls of this grand mansion.

Just as you were getting to your knees, you see Steve drop to his knees beside you, his fingers unlacing his own sneakers.

“Great minds think alike, huh.” he says playfully nuding his arm against yours. Truthfully you don’t think he ever had any intention of taking his shoes off, but once he saw how quickly you dropped to your feet, he joined you to save you the embarrassment of having his sister say something snarky to you.

Once in the home, Abi graciously walked you both up the sweeping stairs to your room.

“Mom and Dad are waiting in the living room, but let me show you guys to your room so you can put your bags away.” She says as she leads you down the hallway to the room at the end. “We made up the room for you guys when I heard our little Stevie was finally bringing an actual proper girlfriend to meet the family. I hope you guys will be comfortable here.”

“Thanks Ab, we'll be down in a bit.” Steve says, awkwardly waving her off as you both made your way into the bedroom you’d be sharing for the next two days.

And there in the middle of the room was one bed, a double granted, but one bed nonetheless.

Of course there was one bed, you were supposed to be a couple, and apparently Steve’s family were under no illusions that you were sleeping together, so why wouldn’t you be sharing a bed? Except, you weren't a couple. And you most certainly didn’t share beds. For as close as you were with Steve as a friend, that was one barrier that your friendship had never crossed.

And you know that Steve was feeling awkward about it too, given that he could barely look at you before sheepishly stuttering out a some semblance of a comment.

“Uh, I guess I can sleep on the floor if you wanna take the bed? We don’t have to sleep together, and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

It almost breaks your heart at how he would sooner sleep on the floor than ever dare to make you uncomfortable.

“Steve, we can share the bed. It’s big enough for both of us, it’ll be fine. Besides, we’re supposed to be a couple aren’t we? Couples are supposed to share the bed.” you tell him assuredly.

And whilst your words do their job to assure him that everything will be fine, you’re not sure that you fully believe them.

“Now, come on, leave the suitcases, we can unpack them later. I’m sure your parents are waiting for you.” you say, tugging his hand towards the door to lead him downstairs.

With every step down the grand sweeping stairs, your hand tightly clasped in steve’s begins to get sweatier and sweatier. In no more than a few moments this whole thing would be real. Up until now it hadn’t really sunk in, but now you were about to put on the performance of a lifetime.

“Steven!” Steve’s mother called out as he walked with you into the living room. She was every inch as Steve has described her to you. Short, but slim and elegant, with sandy blonde hair styled into perfectly wavy curls, a string of pearls around her neck with the matching pearl drop earrings. A dusky pink cardigan layered over a neatly pressed shirt and off-white trousers that fit to perfection. “Come here, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”

“Hey mom.” he waves as he makes his way over to give her a hug. She squeezes him tightly and as she pulls away you swear you can hear her snidely whisper in his ear that her son was “looking a little chubbier than last time I saw you, darling.”

You can see Steve visibly stiffen at the comment, but he does his best to brush it off, before bringing you in close by his side and introducing you.

“Mom, I want you to meet my girlfriend.”

“Mrs Harrington, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” you say, telling her your name and extending your hand towards her to shake. “Steve’s told me so many wonderful things about you.”

That wasn’t completely true. Steve told you how at times his mother could be catty, snippy and cruel with her harsh comments. How she held herself, and her family to a very high standard that felt almost unattainable. Sure, she may have had a good side to her, she just had to, all you had to do was dig underneath the veneer of perfection to find it.

“Has he now? What kind of things has my son told you?”

“That your cooking is to absolutely die for, seriously, that’s all he could talk about the drive up here.” you tell her, and she seems to accept your freely given compliment with a gracious smile.

“Well a good mother should know how to feed her children.” She says, her smile pulling up at the corners. “So, and forgive me for prying but as a mother I must know these things, how long have you and my son been together?”

“Oh well, we're just coming up on, what was it Stevie? 4, 5 months?” You ask, turning back to him, and he's there to have your back just like he told you he would.

“We're just going on 5 months together, but God, it seems like longer, she's such an amazing girl, y'know.”

“Well, it’s nice to see you’ve finally started to get your life together, Steven.” his mother smiles with that cheshire cat-like grin. “Your father will be back a little bit later, he’s just picking up Lillian and her family from the airport.”

You see Steve’s shoulder’s physically slump at the mention of his father, and you were just about to reach out to intertwine your fingers with his in a comforting hold of hands, but his sister Abigail gently taps you on the arm to divert you away from the conversation with her mother.

“Excuse me mother, Steve, I hope you don’t mind me stealing away your girlfriend for a little while.” she asks, cutting in. “I wanna talk to you, just girl to girl.”

You let Abi tug you into her sizable kitchen, was there not one room in this house that wasn’t massive and lavishly decorated?

She reaches into her cabinets and pulls out two glasses, and then reaches into the double door fridge and brings out a perfectly chilled bottle of white wine before pouring a generous splash in each of the glasses, and then sliding one of the glasses towards you.

“So, I’ve been thinking about this ever since Stevie told me he was bringing a girl over, and I would love it if you would join myself, Lillian and a few of my girlfriends on a little night out tonight? We’re all going to this club downtown for a few drinks, sort of like my last hurrah before getting married.” she says, as she takes a sip from her glass.

You’re taken aback for a moment. To think that Steve’s sister already was thinking of inviting you out before she’d even met you. That she already wanted you to feel like a part of this family. You take a healthy sip of wine from your own glass whilst you think about it. On the one hand you’d be without Steve and left to fend for yourself in a group of girls that you knew next to nothing about, but on the other hand, it would put you in good stead with the younger girls of the harrington clan.

“Please tell me you’ll come.” she pleads with the same hopeful and hard-to-refuse hazel brown eyes as her brother. It must be a Harrington thing, because you find yourself nodding almost immediately.

“Of course, I’d love to.”

Abi smiles brightly, throwing her arms around you in a squealing hug.

“Oh wonderful! We’re leaving at about nine-ish, so be ready for a good time!”

You’re back in your shared bedroom with Steve for a few minutes whilst you unpack your respective suitcases. Steve’s hanging up a few shirts in the wardrobe when he turns to you.

“What did Abi want with you in the kitchen earlier?”

“That’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.” you start, folding away a pair of pyjamas in a drawer. “She asked me to join her on girls night out later tonight. Said that she and Lillian and a few of her friends are going out to celebrate before she gets married.”

“Oh that’s great, you’re going with them, right?”

“Well, yeah, I thought it would be a good way to get the rest of you Harringtons to warm up to me.” you explain, before flicking your eyes to the digital clock on the bed’s nightstand. “Anyways, I’d better be getting ready, I don’t want to keep your sister waiting.”

You fluff your hair in the mirror, and swipe on a final dab of lip gloss. Thankfully you had the forethought to pack your nicest pair of jeans and a dressy top in your suitcase in a last minute grab for clothes before leaving.

You give yourself a final once over and shudder out a small nerve-calming breath before heading downstairs where Steve, and now his father, his mother, his other older sister and older brother and Abigail’s husband Ryan and Lillian’s husband Michael are all gathered on the couches in the living room.

Abi isn’t fair behind you as she totters down the stairs in her heels wearing a white sash across her sparkly, pale blue body-con dress body that says ‘bride to be’ and is also sporting a party store veil and silver tiara that she’s wedged into her dark bouncy curls.

There’s a distinct wolf whistle from Ryan as he immediately gets up to pick up and twirl his soon to be wife in his arms before placing her down on the ground and planting a big kiss on her lips.

“It’s a good job you’re wearing that sash and tiara, otherwise I'd be worried about all the guys that’d be hitting on you tonight. You look stunning darling. Have a great time tonight.”

Steve gets up to make his way over to you too.

“Y-you look great.” he stutters slightly before catching himself. “Play nice with my sisters and hopefully they won’t give you too much of a hard time. Anything you want and I’m just a phone call away.” he says before finishing with a quick “Love you.” and a peck on the cheek exactly like the perfect boyfriend would. You try your best not to flush bright red as his lips press against your cheek, knowing that he’s only playing his part of being a loving boyfriend, but there’s a little part of your heart that wishes that this wasn’t just for show. That he would just kiss your cheek purely because he could and because wanted to.

“Come on, break it up guys, I’ve had enough of this schmaltz, mama’s had a busy week with my kids running me ragged and I’d like to get the cocktails flowing as soon as possible if you don’t mind.” Lillian says, getting up off the couch, obviously trying to rush both you and Abi out of the house.

The bright colourful lights of the club are glaring as you follow Abigail and Lillian into the sea of dancing people and loud, pounding music.

It’s not your sort of scene, not by a long-shot, but any opportunity you could take to help prove to Steve’s family that you were a serious couple was an opportunity that you were going to grab with two hands.

You approach a table of girls who seem a little older than you who wave at you excitedly to bring you over and Abi rushes off immediately with a squeal.

“Hey girls!” Abi squeaks as she hugs each one of her friends. “It’s been a minute! You know Lillian of course, and this is my little brother Steve’s girlfriend.” she says introducing you to all her gal pals.

These girls all seem so bubbly and girly, and at least one drink into the night already. You grit your teeth and smile as you slide yourself into the booth seats around the table, this was going to be a long night.

“I’m getting drinks, do you guys want?” Lillian asks, turning her head over her shoulder.

Every girl in turn tells her their order and you contemplate what you want.

“Can I have vodka and lemonade please?” you ask, reaching for your purse to hand over your money to Lillian so that you can pay for your drink but she waves you off telling you not to worry about it.

“So, how’s it feel now that you’re about to become Mrs Murphy? That you're no longer going to be a Harrington?” one of Abigail’s friends asks her.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything ever. You girls all know how sweet Ryan is. I just couldn’t see myself spending the rest of my life with anyone else but him. He’s just the perfect gentleman.” Abi explains and it sort of warms your heart at how open an honest she is and just how much she loves Ryan.

“Yeah, the same dick for the rest of your life. You better hope he treats you good.” Lillian snarks as she rounds the table, bringing in a tray with everyone’s drink order and then sitting down with the rest of the group and butting into the conversation. “Speaking of dick, how the hell did my snot-nosed little brother manage to pull someone like you?”

You don’t appreciate how she talks about Steve, but you figure that’s just the oldest sister privilege talking.

“It’s pretty much what Abi was just saying about Ryan.” you start, taking a sip of your drink to calm your nerves. “Steve’s so kind and caring, incredibly sweet and he makes me laugh.” you tell her, and although your relationship with Steve may be fake, you find yourself telling her the truth about what Steve means to you.

“Barf.” Lillian fake gags. “You girls just wait until you’re older. One day you’ll be in your own house surrounded by sticky, screaming children and a guy who comes home from work just to sit in his underwear in front of the tv and drink his beers. Then you’re left thinking how you could ever have been attracted to this guy in the first place? That honeymoon phase doesn’t last long, sweetheart.”

Lillian's comments launch a chain of complaints amongst Abigail’s friends, about their own partners and how they never listen, or that they're not attentive enough, or that they don't satisfy them in quite the way that they hope for.

You can’t help but feel disheartened by all the disparaging comments. Lillian’s marriage may not have been what she was expecting, but couldn’t she at least try to be positive when her younger sister was so happy to get married?

“Well, I think it's wonderful that you've found your person Abi, you deserve it.” You smile. Even in this short time you found yourself really warming up to Abi, she was a sweet girl and you can definitely see traits in her that you recognise so much in Steve.

Steve’s mother had long retired to her bedroom and now it was all the men of the house drinking a few beers and indulging in guy talk.

Steve thinks back to his stupid jock days, it’s just stereotypical guy talk, he used to be good at this. Nothing he couldn't handle, right?

“How are you coping now you’re about to be tied down to the ‘ol ball and chain, huh?” Lance laughs heartily, slapping Ryan on the back.

Steve watches as Ryan winces slightly at his older brother’s less than tasteful way of speaking about his fiancée. Lance was never really one for subtlety, with his crass comment rolling off of his tongue as easily as a compliment.

“Actually I’m looking forward to it, your sister’s so wonderful, I consider myself lucky that she even said yes to me in the first place. Even more lucky that I get to call myself her husband.”

Steve smiles. Out of all of his siblings, it was Abi that he was closest to, so it was nice to see that she’d finally found someone who would treat her with all the love and affection she deserved.

“I’m just thankful that someone finally took her off the shelf, Abi has had to kiss a lot of frogs, and I had to listen to too many uncomfortable ‘but daddy I love him’ conversations until this guy nailed her down for good.” Steve’s father chuckles but it only makes Ryan wince a little more. Honestly, who talks like that about their own daughter? Robert Harrington, that's who.

Steve stands up for him, unable to let this continue any longer.

“Hey man, for what it's worth, I think you and Abi are great for each other. You're a great guy and I couldn't wish for anyone better for my sister.” Steve says, and he means every word of it.

“Thanks, Steve.” Ryan smiles graciously.

“And hey, what about you Stevie-boy? Looks like you found yourself a pretty sweet piece too.” Lance says, obviously referring to you in his crude manner of talking that made Steve's skin crawl. Thank god you weren’t here to hear him talking. “I was wondering when you were going to bring a girl home. You almost had me thinking you were batting for the team for a while.” He jokes with a deep buffoonish laugh.

“No, no, she’s a great girl. She’s very special to me.” Steve says, and he’s being completely honest when he says this, because you are special to him. “I know we haven’t been dating for long, but I know she’s the one for me.”

Steve surprises himself with that admission though. Because although he was supposed to be lying to his family about his relationship with you, that would be a big thing to admit to even if this were a real relationship.

“That’s some pretty serious talk there, Steven.” His father cuts in. “You’re too young to be throwing your life away on some girl you’ve known for five minutes. Play the field, surround yourself with beautiful women. I’d have never settled down and married your mother unless I slept around a bit first.” and he says this with a straight face like what he said was a perfectly normal sentence.

“You know what, dad, I know what I want, and it’s her. I choose her every time.” Steve bites back confidently enough for his dad to back down for once in his life, and it’s then that Steve downs the last few drops of his beer before heading off to his guest room. “I’ll be upstairs waiting for my girlfriend if anyone needs me.” he says, patting Ryan on the shoulder as he leaves “Good luck joining this family, dude.”

Steve knew that coming back home would open up some unresolved tensions with his parents, but what he wasn’t quite prepared for was how tiring it all could be.

@penguinsandpringleheads @abitchyouhate @mrsjellymunson @myherometalhead @sidereustales @rebelfell @seatnights @scaredofbeingbasic

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x female reader #steve harrington x reader fluff #steve harrington x female reader fluff #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington x reader series

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harringtons-cupid · 9 hours ago

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Happy birthday!!

Thank you angel!! 🤍🤍🤍

#birthday wishes

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harringtons-cupid · 9 hours ago

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Chapter One - Spring Break

Summary: You visit Hawkins for spring break, wanting to spend time with your friends, who you have not seen in a while, for the week.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of Y/N, blood, mentions of missing persons, weed, getting high, not too many warnings

Word Count: 3.1k

Note: Chapters for season four may take a bit more time to get out since they are a lot longer so I apologize for not being able to get a new chapter out every single day.

Series Masterlist

ㅤ♡ ㅤ♡ ㅤ♡

The birds chirped outside as the sun rose over the city, casting golden light through the windows and brightening your room. You zipped up your suitcase, double-checking that everything you needed was inside. It was still early, too early, and your mom was getting ready to drive you to the airport before she left for work.

You stepped out of your room and crossed the hall to Jonathan’s door. Knocking firmly, you waited with a hand on your hip, tapping your foot when you heard a thud and the clatter of objects inside. A few shuffled footsteps later, Jonathan finally opened the door.

His eyes were sunken and looked heavier than usual. The faint smell of weed hit you immediately, and you scrunched your nose.

“Jonathan! I’m leaving! What are you doing?” You scolded, waving your hands at him.

He glanced behind him into the messy room, then looked back at you with a sheepish smile. “Uh…nothing. You’re leaving? Where you going?”

You raised a brow. “Seriously? You know where I’m going, Jon. My flight is today.”

His eyes widened slightly. “Oh shit. That’s today?”

You let out a long sigh. “What is wrong with you? No, actually, don’t answer that. I already know.”

“Right, yeah,” Jonathan mumbled, straightening up. “Well…have a safe flight.”

“You know…” you started, eyeing him. “You could’ve come with me. It makes way more sense for you to visit your girlfriend than me visiting her as my best friend.”

He looked away, shifting awkwardly. “Yeah, well…someone’s gotta stay behind with Will and El while you’re gone. And I’m still waiting for my acceptance letter.”

You crossed your arms. “Nancy was supposed to come instead, but she bailed last minute, and now only Mike’s visiting. Are you guys okay?”

“Of course we’re okay,” he said quickly. “We’re fine.”

You nodded slowly, not entirely convinced. “Okay…”

You stepped forward and wrapped your arms around him. Jonathan held you back, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder.

“Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone,” you warned, pulling away. “And for the love of God, crack a window in there. I can smell the weed from the hallway.”

His eyes widened. “Didn’t think it was that noticeable.”

“Please. Even my mom knows, Jonathan. She just doesn’t say anything.”

He gave a guilty smile. “My bad. I’ll cut it down.”

“You better,” you said, grabbing the handle of your suitcase. “I don’t even get why you do that stuff. It’s terrible for you.”

“Duly noted.”

You started toward the stairs. “Okay, bye, Jon. Love you!”

He gave a lazy wave. “Love you too.”

You carefully carried your suitcase downstairs and left it by the door before heading into the kitchen. Eleven, Will, and Joyce were sitting at the table, mid-breakfast.

“Hi, guys! I’m heading to the airport now,” you announced, walking over to Will first since he was closest.

He stood up and hugged you. “Great, and who’s supposed to look after us now?” He teased.

You laughed. “Jonathan, of course.”

Will muttered under his breath so only you could hear. “He doesn’t even really take care of himself.”

You sighed and patted his shoulder. “You’ll be fine. You’ve got your brother. Oh, and Argyle!”

Argyle was Jonathan’s best friend, who was incredibly funny. He wasn’t exactly a role model since he was always high, but you couldn’t help but adore him. He was genuinely sweet and impossible to stay mad at. If anyone could balance Jonathan out, it was Argyle.

“And Mike when he gets here,” Eleven added with a bright smile before hugging you tightly. “I’m going to miss you.”

You gave her a playful shake, making her laugh. “I’m going to miss you little rascals too. But it’s only a week. Enjoy your spring break after school today!”

“I’m so excited to show everyone my project,” she said, beaming.

“I know, and you should be,” you said, squeezing her shoulder. You helped El with her school project, and the idea behind it made your heart swell with pride. “You worked so hard. It’s going to blow everyone away.”

Her grin grew even wider. You turned to Joyce, who had watched the exchange with a soft smile. She stood and hugged you warmly.

“Have a safe flight, dear,” she said, rubbing your back.

“Thanks, Joyce. See you guys in a week!”

You waved to everyone and made your way to your mom’s office. Knocking lightly, you heard a muffled, “Come in.”

Inside, your mom was seated at her desk, organizing some files.

“Mom, I’m ready.”

She looked up and smiled. “Ah, good. I was just finishing up.” She grabbed her car keys from the desk. “Did you say goodbye to everyone?”

“Yeah, I did,” you said with a nod as the two of you walked out together.

Your mom took your suitcase and loaded it into the car. You slid into the passenger seat, and soon, you were off toward the airport.

Once you arrived, Yasmin walked in with you as you checked in. When it was time to go, you wrapped her in a tight hug, rocking side to side.

“Stay safe, sweetie,” she said, her hand gently rubbing your back. “I don’t think we’ve ever been apart this long before, especially not thousands of miles away.”

You pulled back and cupped her cheeks with a grin. “I’ll be back before you know it, mom.”

“Oh, I hope so,” she said, fixing your hair. “I love you.”

You waved as you walked away, dragging your suitcase behind you. “I love you too!”

A few hours later, your plane landed at the Indianapolis airport. You grabbed your suitcase from the overhead compartment, and stepped out of the plane. As you walked into the arrivals area, dragging your suitcase behind you, your eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on a familiar figure waving enthusiastically.

You broke into a grin, lifting your hand in return. “Mrs. Wheeler, hi!”

Karen Wheeler pulled you into a warm hug. “Hey, hon! How was your flight?”

“Good! Thank you so much for picking me up, and for letting me stay with you guys,” you said, spotting Holly peeking out from behind her mother’s legs. “Hi, Holly!”

You crouched to give the little girl a hug, and she wrapped her tiny arms around your neck without hesitation.

Karen smiled fondly. “Of course, Y/N. You’re like family.”

The three of you walked out of the airport. Karen helped you load your suitcase into the trunk of her car, and soon you were settled in the passenger seat beside her.

“So,” she said as the car pulled onto the highway. “How’s Stanford treating you? You’re almost done with your first year, right?”

You nodded, chuckling. “Yeah, it’s wild. But Stanford’s been incredible, better than I ever imagined.”

Karen gave an approving nod. “I’m glad. Nancy’s been reading your letters like a proud sister. I still can’t believe she’s heading to college this fall.”

“I know. Time’s moving way too fast,” you said, watching the trees blur past your window.

The drive continued for a while. When the familiar ‘Welcome to Hawkins’ sign passed by your window, a flicker of nostalgia stirred in your chest. It felt good to be back, even if only for a little while. You were excited to catch up with everyone, who you knew were in school at this moment, hence why Karen picked you up, and you were thrilled that you’d made it in time for Lucas’ big basketball game tonight.

As you kept driving, you sniffled. Your nose tingled suddenly, a strange heat rushing to your face. You raised your hand to your upper lip, and when you pulled it away, you saw bright red on your fingertips.

“Oh… shoot,” you muttered, looking around for something to wipe your face with.

Karen glanced over. “Everything okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” you said quickly, trying not to make a big deal of it. “Just a random nosebleed. Do you have any tissues?”

Her brows drew together in concern. “Oh, you poor thing. Check the center console, we always keep some in there for Holly.”

You opened it and found a small pack of tissues, hastily dabbing at your nose and wiping your fingers clean.

“I’m sure it’s just the weather,” you added, half-laughing. “Dry air, right?”

Karen chuckled, nodding. “Makes sense, it’s spring. But let me know if you start feeling off. I’ll make some tea when we get home. Maybe your body’s just adjusting after your flight.”

You nodded, smiling faintly, even as a strange feeling settled in your chest.

Karen made you a warm cup of tea while you settled into the guest bedroom of the Wheelers’ house. You already called your mom once you arrived at the house, letting her know you made it safely. After unzipping your suitcase, you pulled out a fresh change of clothes and set them aside. A shower sounded perfect before Nancy got home from school.

You knew senior year had been keeping her busy, not just with classes, but with the high school newspaper. Nancy had always dreamed of being a writer, so getting to run the paper felt like the first big step toward that future. You were proud of her.

After showering, you returned to your room and sat on the edge of the bed, towel drying your hair. It was just after five, and Karen had mentioned that Nancy should be home around now. The two of you planned to head to Lucas’ basketball game together.

From the window, you spotted your old car sitting in the Wheelers’ driveway. You’d given it to Nancy before you left for California, and now, you found yourself feeling sentimental seeing it again. You missed that car. Still, it worked out. Your mom bought you another car in California. She’d decided it was easier than getting rides from her, Joyce, or Jonathan, and you weren’t about to argue.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open, followed by a familiar voice calling out. “I’m home!”

You lit up instantly, springing to your feet and rushing out of the room. Taking the stairs two at a time, you launched yourself at Nancy just as she was slipping off her shoes.

“You’re here!” She laughed, hugging you tightly. “It’s been forever!”

You giggled, pulling back to look at her face. “I know, I’ve missed you so much. I can’t wait to hang out again.”

Karen joined you in the hallway, her smile warm. “Aw, you girls are adorable. Come on, dinner’s ready.” She looked pointedly at you. “I’m sure you’ve probably haven’t eaten much today, Y/N. You’re having something before you head out, okay?”

“Yes, of course,” you said with a smile, following her to the dining table with Nancy right behind you.

As you sat down, you glanced around. “Where’s Mike?”

Nancy rolled her eyes as she sat across from you. “Off playing another D&D campaign with that Hellfire club of his. He said something about needing a replacement for Lucas.”

Your brow furrowed. “Wait…a replacement? For Lucas? Isn’t tonight his big game?”

“Exactly,” Nancy said, stabbing her fork into her food. “I told Mike he was being ridiculous. I mean, this is Lucas’ big night. He’s worked his ass off for this game, and they’re just ditching him.”

You frowned, chewing slowly. “I don’t get it. How is a board game more important than showing up for him?”

Nancy nodded, equally frustrated. “Yeah, and the club is run by Eddie Munson.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Eddie Munson? He was literally in my senior year. He’s still in school?”

Nancy shrugged. “Apparently. The kids love him though. Did they not tell you that in their letters?”

You shook your head. “All I knew was that they joined the Hellfire Club. Nothing else.”

You didn’t say anything for a second, picking at your food as your thoughts spiraled. Mike and Dustin skipping out on Lucas was wrong. It made you a bit angry.

You glanced out the window, then over at Nancy. “Well…at least we’ll be there.”

Nancy drove the two of you to Hawkins High School after dinner. As soon as you pulled into the parking lot, a wave of memories hit you like a flood. Everything looked the same, and yet it felt like a lifetime had passed. Nostalgia settled in your chest.

Inside the gym, the familiar echo of sneakers squeaking and chatter filled the air. Nancy led you over to a boy with glasses, and you followed close behind. She turned to you with a grin.

“Y/N, this is Fred! He works with me on the school paper.”

Fred gave you an enthusiastic wave. “Nice to meet the Y/N Kaul!” He said. “Last year’s Hawkins High ‘it girl’!”

You raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. “People really called me that?”

“Oh, yeah! You had no idea, but everyone talked about you,” Fred replied, then glanced at Nancy. “Now Nancy’s taken your spot this year.”

Nancy rolled her eyes, leading you both toward the bleachers. She was hoping the team would win tonight so she had something to write about in the next article.

The three of you found seats on the first row, settling in as the game was about to begin. Nancy had her notebook and pen ready.

Your eyes scanned the gym until they landed on Lucas across the room. You waved, and his face lit up as he waved back enthusiastically.

Then, your gaze wandered over the bleachers, searching for more familiar faces. One stood out in particular and your heart stuttered.

Steve Harrington sat a few rows up, arms crossed, staring ahead with a bored expression. He looked alone, like he had no one to talk to. You didn’t realize how long you’d been looking at him until Nancy nudged you, gently tugging your hand to snap you out of it.

“He really misses you,” she said softly, offering a kind smile. “We don’t talk much, but I hear from Dustin when he and Lucas come over.”

You hesitated. “So…he hasn’t been seeing anyone?”

Nancy chuckled and shook her head. “Nope. Ever since he started working at Family Video, girls have been flirting with him left and right, but he shuts them all down. He hasn’t looked at anyone else.”

Your cheeks warmed, a smile creeping in despite your effort to suppress it. Nancy noticed and laughed under her breath.

What you didn’t see was the way Steve’s eyes landed on you the second you looked away. His entire expression softened. His eyes lit up. He couldn’t stop staring.

He meant it when he said you were the love of his life. No one else even came close. Girls flirted, smiled, tossed their hair, batted their eyelashes, but none of them were you. He had made a promise to wait for you. And he would.

He just hoped you hadn’t moved on.

Everyone stood for the national anthem, and Tammy Thompson stepped up to the microphone. You remembered her from your senior year.

She started singing, and you blinked, immediately cringing. You and Nancy exchanged a look, both trying not to laugh as her shaky voice filled the gym.

Soon, the game kicked off, and you were on the edge of your seat. Each shot made your heart race, and you found yourself screaming along with the crowd. When the ball hit the net, you and Nancy jumped up and down in pure joy, clinging to the hope that they might actually win.

Midway through, one of the players was injured. That’s when Lucas was finally called in. You clapped and cheered, thrilled to see him on the court.

Then came the final seconds. Lucas made a desperate shot. The ball bounced off the rim…then dropped in.

The crowd erupted.

You and Nancy screamed along with everyone else, overwhelmed with pride. As she scribbled notes in her journal, beaming, you stood there, heart pounding.

You told Nancy you’d meet her at the car and stepped out of the gym, looking for Lucas. He spotted you first and waved.

You ran to him, pulling him into a tight hug.

“You were amazing, Lucas!” You said excitedly.

“I’m so glad you came! It really means a lot,” he said, hugging you back.

You pulled away just enough to look up at him, your hand on his shoulder. “You’ve gotten so tall, I might actually cry.”

Lucas laughed, but a voice called his name from across the lot, and you looked to see his teammates. He turned to leave but glanced behind you first, something catching his eye.

You turned to follow his gaze.

Dustin and Mike had just stepped out through a door, probably from their Hellfire Club game. Erica was with them. You furrowed your brows.

But when you turned back around, Lucas was already walking away with his team.

You returned to the Wheelers’ house, and as soon as you stepped inside, you saw Karen on the phone in the living room. She looked up and waved you over.

“Y/N, it’s your mom,” she said, holding out the receiver.

You smiled and walked over, taking the phone. “Hey, mom.”

“Sweetheart! How was the game?” Yasmin asked warmly.

“It was great, we won!” You said, your excitement still fresh in your voice.

You could almost hear her smile through the phone. “I knew it! I’m glad you had a good night, then.”

“Yeah, me too,” you replied, leaning against the wall. “Anyway, did you want to say something?”

“Oh, yes,” Yasmin said, as if suddenly remembering. She cleared her throat. “My team’s been called out of state, to Alaska, actually.”

“Alaska?” You repeated, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of case?”

“There have been a few people reported missing,” she explained, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “They really need us out there, so I just wanted to let you know in case you call the house and I’m not there.”

You nodded to yourself, used to her occasionally traveling for work. “When do you leave?”

“Early tomorrow morning.”

You sighed, absentmindedly twisting the phone cord around your finger. “I hope it goes well. Be safe, okay?”

“You too, sweetheart,” Yasmin said gently. “Enjoy your trip. I’ll see you next week.”

“Bye, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

You placed the receiver back, lingering there for a moment. Maybe it was just the exhaustion catching up to you, but something about your mom’s voice had felt off. You were used to her traveling for work, with being an FBI agent and all, but tonight, there had been a slight hesitation in her tone, a subtle tremble, like she was holding something back. You shook your head, deciding to call it a night.

#stranger things #steve harrington #steve harrington fic

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