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icu-now · 5 days

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Deserved it

↝a/n: I need a better title for this. Also this has been in my notes app for so long and I've been too scared to post it.

↝pairing:Steve Harrington x fem!Hargrove!reader

↝ Warning: Billy, Reader is Billy's twin sister, angst , fighting, blood, arguing, slight smut, making out, not proofread

↝⎙ 9.9.23

"I have a hard time believing that." Oh- your smile. How could you look so much like Billy, yet so different? In a good way, of course. One thing that you didn't physically have that was the same was your smile. Yours was, well, nicer. More friendly. Less intimidating.

"I'm serious! Look- ask Nance." If you didn't know any better, you'd probably say he was practically begging you to believe him.

"I dunno, I just can't picture a guy like you being a ladies man."

"Okay, ouch."

Laughing, you couldn't help but enjoy the feeling of playfully picking on this poor soul.

"I was literally known as King Steve-"

"Bull."

That's how it all started. Playful banter between a kid who peaked in highschool and a new girl who had everyone's eyes on her and her own brother. Apparently, your family moving to Hawkins was a huge favor for everyone. You're welcome. You'd probably tell everybody, given the chance.

•••••

"Stay away from that Harrington boy." Billy puffed at his cigarette, before flicking it absentmindedly onto the dry ground.

"Steve-"

"Oh, first name basis now?" He scoffed, drumming his fingers on the car roof.

"He-"

"-Is trouble. He's looking for some dumb broad to pick up and have a good time."

"Billy, I don't really care what you think. And even if I was into him, that isn't any of your business." He slammed his hands down on the roof of the car, making you jump.

"Y/n," Billy tsked, "you are a lot of things, but a dumb slut isn't one of 'em. Now get in the car." Before you could respond, he sat down in the driver's seat, starting the engine.

Slamming the door, you slung your backpack over your shoulder and turned around.

Billy threw his arms up and huffed as he watched you walk away. Grabbing another cigarette, he lit it, letting you walk a bit ahead before he started driving. If you were going to act like a brat, he was going to treat you like one. He wasn't one to give in to anyone, but you had moments that made his cold heart ache for you, he was always going to be there for you, but only for you. You literally shared a womb together. There's obviously a connection that no amount of sibling back-and-forth could wilt, right?

Hearing an engine roaring, you didn't need to glance back to know who it was. Billy slowed, looking at your side profile, noting your sour expression. "C'mon, Cookie. The weather isn't looking too promising for you to be acting like this." Cookie. The nickname he had made up when he caught you stealing a cookie out of the cookie jar that was on top of the fridge. You were lucky he was the one who caught you. If it had been Neil, you wouldn't have gotten the cookie and a new nickname out of it.

"Fuck off, William."

That, right there, pissed him off to no end.

He sped past you, kicking rocks and dirt behind as he went, swerving in and out of the lane to taunt you.

You scoffed, "Fuckin' dick."

"Watch the floor!" Stopped in your tracks, it took everything in your being to not spin around and smack the shit out of Neil. Here you stood, soaked head to toe, along with your backpack and everything in it, and he was worried about the floor.

"I'll try to keep the water from falling until I get to my room." Giving him a fake smile, you marched to your room, slamming the door.

Almost as soon as the door shut, it opened again and Billy came in. He had to of just came out of the shower, steam rolling off his skin. Walking over to your desk, he picked up your deodorant.

"What do you want now?" You practically barked.

He held his free hand up, "Relax. I ran out." He harshly applied the stick with his other hand.

Yanking the stick from his hand, you scowled. "Buy your own. Get out."

"I don't have any money." He yanked it back, lathering his other armpit."

"Get. A. Job." You now harshly yanked it.

"I have a job, I just haven't gotten paid yet."

"That sucks for you. Get out, now."

"I don't think I will." Billy pulled out your desk chair, running his fingers through his wet curls.

"I will scream at the top of my lungs if you don't get your ass out now."

"Fine, whatever. Don't forget to clean the water up." Looking down, you watched as more water continued to drip from your soaked clothes to the hardwood flooring.

The deodorant went hurling against the door and clanked against the floor as he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Stop slamming the doors!"

The feelings of wanting to claw at your skin was intensifying each time your father opened his mouth.

You were in deep need of a relaxer.

•••••

"Billy would kill me- mmph~" As soon as Steve's lips pulled away, yours were chasing them.

"Shut up."

"M'kay." His hands tightened on your thighs as he felt your hips wiggle and closing against his own. Moaning as your pulled at his hair, he didn't have time to be embarrassed. He wanted you. Needed you. Right now.

You had gotten dried off and practically ran to the Harrington's. At first, it was just to blow off some steam, vent, if you will. But Steve had gotten some weed off of a friend and who were you to say no? A relaxer is a relaxer. Things got a little out of hand and you ended up saying a few things no sober person should ever admit. It didn't take much green for you to end up like you were. You were going to blame the plant either way.

Your other hand slid under his shirt, feeling the skin and hair under it. You groaned against his lips, feeling him unbutton your jeans.

Reluctantly, he pulled away, helping you pull his shirt over his head and throw it somewhere on the floor. His hands went back to your thighs as your lips went down his neck, starting at his jaw and going behind his ear and down. You kissed his body as if you were praising it. Every touch of your soft hands left a fire-hot trail, begging for your lips to follow with a cooling effect.

This is surely heaven, he thought.

Steve made a sound, causing you to quickly pull back just as quickly as you had put your hand in his pants and moved lower down his body. Be slowly shook his head, shifting in the seat. "Mmm, no. I want to touch you." Your unsure expression quickly vanished, replaced with a wicked smirk.

"Yeah? How?"

Steve was so glad he has matured from his King Steve days. Younger him would never take the time to worship a woman's body. But yours, oh God, yours deserved every bit of praise and everyone should worship your perfectly imperfect body. Every stretch mark, every crevice, every indent that society deemed 'ugly'. Hell no. He was set on showing you just how much he adored you and your body.

•••••

Steve chased after you, having trouble keeping up. "I didn't - I didn't mean for this to-"

"Stop following me."

"Cookie, please."

You spun around, a look of fury in your eyes. He stopped dead in his tracks.

"Stop following me." You repeated, "I never want to see you ever again."

"This wasn't supposed to happen- not like this."

"Oh please, stop with this bullshit." Steve had to stop himself from wincing at the choice of words. Bullshit. Bullshit. Bullshit. "Imagine how humiliating this is for me."

"It was stupid! Carol and Tommy-they made some stupid bet and I was drunk and I just couldn't say no for some stupid fucking reason. Please,"

It was true, they were all plastered when the bet was made. You had just shown up, a fresh face and already the talk of the town. Every boy in their grade had said something about you and your body. At first, Steve ignored the cruel, disgusting words and acted like your arrival didn't affect him. You two hadn't talked much, but he had heard the way you talked to Billy, someone you had literally known since birth, your sweet voice yet snippy remarks.

Carol had made some jab, and Tommy had found it weird when Steve didnt laugh. Sure, they had grown apart, but it wasn't that long ago when Steve would make those same remarks. The liquid courage had Steve argue with Tommy on how you would totally not date Steve or anyone like him. The next morning, the terrible hangover has Steve promising himself to never drink again. The horrid memories haunted him until he got to school. Tommy had a group of preppy kids huddles around Steves locker. Apparently, Tommy had opened his mouth and spilled out all of what Steve had said. Multiple guys clapped and went to high-five. "King Steve is back!" What was he supposed to do? Almost everyone knew about what he had said, well, not you or Billy. God. Billy would kill me, he thought.

He was surprised no one had told you when you walked though the school doors. Everyone kept quiet, until 3 weeks later. To be honest, Steve had forgotten about it. Or tricked himself into thinking so. At the beginning, you guys getting closer was purely for the bet, but you were so quick witted, so smart, so pretty, so easy to talk to.

Carol didn't keep quiet for long. Just as you and Steve got so close, skin to skin, breath to breath, heart to heart, Carol had gushed about how Steve actually won some bet. Confused, you listened as both Carol and Tommy told you all about it and about what Steve had said. It didn't help that so many people were standing around, watching everything go down. Steve was lucky Billy wasn't there at that moment either.

He tried to reach for your hands, sighing in defeat when you yanked them away. "Please. I can't- we have something good."

"Do we? You embarrassed- humiliated me. You let it happen. No matter what we have done, it never meant as much to you as it did to me."

"It did. It does. Everything we did meant everything to me. Y/n, please."

"She warned me about you, ya know. Everyone did."

"What?"

"Nancy. She warned me about you. You only ever want one thing."

He was at a loss of words, flabbergasted. "What?"

"You got it. So you can leave me alone now."

Steve watched as you walked away, mouth hung open. He didn't know whether to go after you, or marinate in what you had said.

What did Nancy say and why?

Turning a corner in the supermarket, you didn't expect to almost run into something, or someone. "Shit-sorry."

The girl waved you off, fixing her hair. She looked up, watching as you picked up the loaf of bread you had dropped.

"Y/n, right? Billy and Max's sister."

You looked at her curiosity. "Yeah, you?"

"Nance. Nancy."

"Nancy Wheeler?" Her cheeks became red. You had heard of her.

"Steve has told me alot about you."

Oh.

Her face fell a little. "What has he said?"

Alarm showed on your face. He hadn't specifically talked about her, just about how they used to be together and how she could vouch for him being a total took a year or two back.

"Oh, just about how you were together."

Well, this is awkward.

"Yeah." Yeah.

"Ya know, he told me to ask you about his King Steve days." Her own face didn't have the same playful smile yours did. It was unsettling.

"Did he now?"

You looked at her confused, what had you just unleashed?

Apparently it was a lot.

•••••

Steve tried everything to get you to talk to him. He called, never getting an answer, or when someone did pick up, it was either your dad, the clueless mom of Max, or Billy. He brought you flowers that stayed on your porch and rotted. He tried talked to you in school. He never got a response out of you. It was as if you didn't see him.

He deserved it.

One night, he thought it would be a good idea to try one more time when the parents left for date. You were surely home, he didn't know about Max and Billy, but he didn't really care.

He knocked on the door, 1, 2, 3 times.

"Y/, come on, please! I'm sorry!" His head dropped against the door. He was desperate at this point. Even if you opened the door and told him you hated his guts, he would be beyond grateful to just hear your voice on last time. He'd understand you.

Hearing someone making their way to the door, he fixed his posture, waiting.

Right after the door opened, a blow was delivered straight to Steve's left cheek. He staggered back, his back hitting a pole keeping the screening up around the porch.

"You gonna make another bet about my sister, Harrington? You just can't leave her alone, can you?"

Billy's hands continued to pushed at Steve, pushing him further off the porch and into the yard. Insult after insult was thrown at Steve, he could only take it, keeping his mouth shut. He deserved it.

"William!"

Was he hearing things? Had Billy hit him one too many times? Your sweet voice rang through his head, bouncing around, wrapped his throbbing brain in a silk bandage, kissing it better as if it was a simple scratch. "Get off of him! Damn it!" The blows at Steve's side stopped. This time, Billy went staggering back after you had pushed him off of the hunched over boy.

You were too nice.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Billy bellowed. He threw his bloody hands up towards Steve. "You're gonna let him get away with humiliating you?"

"You're gonna kill him!" You made a point to look at the blood dripping from his knuckles and then to Steve's bleeding nose and swelling eye.

"He deserves it!"

"That is not your place!" Billy closed his mouth, looking at you in pure disbelief. You had just yelled at him, truly raised your voice, not one ounce of familiarity behind those eyes that burned in hatred. Your eyes softened, biting your lip before going to apologize. "Billy," before you could continue, he stomped towards the house, bumping into Max, who watched the whole thing.

After looking at the door, contiplating what to do next. You would deal with Billy later. Steve had to be gone by the time your father got back.

"What we had-"

" ‘what we had’? We fucked, Steve. That's it." You sounded tired, exhausted.

Steve stood hunched over, at a loss of words. It wasn't just a simple fuck. There was something there. He felt it, surely you did too. Your bodies fit together too perfect for a simple fling. His hands wouldn't remember every curve of your body for a simple fuck that didn't mean anything what so ever. He refused to take that for an answer. Even if it took a while to show you that you did mean more, he'd do just that.

"Alright."

He turned, walking towards his car.

"Steve," you called out, "you're hurt-"

"I got it."

He didn't waste any time getting in his car and leaving.

If you wanted space, he'd give you space. He'd find a way to make it up to you, even if it took a lot of time and a lot of different ideas and apologies. You both needed time to heal, emotionally and physically.

-----------

•2021-2024 by xoxo-sarah on Tumblr•

•My work is not to be translated, copied, modified, and/or reposted on any other site without my permission. [!I don't give permission!]

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icu-now · 5 days

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fear — steve harrington

▸summary: you expect people to do die with honour, with bravery, with courage. you died with fear. steve can't know.

▸characters: steve harrington x gn!reader, eddie munson, dustin henderson

▸tw: angst. like, really bad. it's an issue.

▸a/n: i don't actually know what goes on inside my brain. for some reason, i just really like angst.

LOVE HURT.

IT was something that multiple people agreed upon. Steve Harrington was one of them.

The whole party had some semblance of loss somewhere in their hearts, but Steve…

It just seemed like something was gunning for him, sucking the happiness one loss at a time.

Steve had never before known what love could’ve been until he met you. There was always something about you that never seemed to leave him alone. Whether it was that stupid grin, the stupid hair, the stupid arms, the stupid hugs, the stupid sappy words. Everything that Steve missed out on was being passed onto him like he was a reject shop, which was what he felt like. You gave him love, gave him hope, gave him life even.

Then you died.

When Dustin and Eddie came back through the portal without you, Steve freaked out. When Dustin couldn’t scream the words without them catching in his throat, Steve begged him to keep them there. When Dustin said he wasn’t strong enough to carry you and Eddie was on his way to collapse, Steve screamed that he was. He was strong. He could do it. He could, he promised he could. With tears in his eyes and dirt on his face and his hand on his chest, he promised he could carry you back. With his knees on the ground and his voice lost in the wind, he promised he could.

So he ripped himself up like he wanted to rip his heart out of his body, ignoring the cries and begs of the people behind him. He had never moved faster in his life than when he was climbing into that portal, throwing open the caravan door, sprinting to the figure that lay in the dust. His voice returned as he screeched, flailing his arms to rid the area of any of the bats that might have smelled the meat, the fresh kill. There were no bats flying. They had all dropped a while ago. He knelt next to the person he had recklessly given everything to, shaking your shoulders and begging you to wake up. He didn’t stop asking the favour, even when he claimed it was too cold for you here, dragging you body upright into a standing position. He didn’t stop asking even when he began walking, praying that your legs would move the same way. They left tracks in the dirt as they dragged. He didn’t stop begging even when he screamed at Nancy to pull you through. She could feel the toll that death had taken on you. The loss of muscle, the eerie stillness. Yet, Steve still didn’t stop begging even when he said that you were safe now.

Wake up now. You can’t sleep here. You have to wake up.

Your eyes were open.

There was no such thing as peace at that moment. Nobody was blessed with the grieving silence. Steve wouldn’t let that happen. He didn’t want it to be silent, not when you loved to make noise. Not when you would laugh at his lame jokes. He couldn’t be silent in his efforts to somehow make you wake up.

Eddie sat on the ground, his back propped up against the wall. He stared straight ahead, his facial expression not changing even as there was a tear. Nancy and Robin didn’t even try forcing their faces still. They twisted and sobbed and cried no matter how hard they tried to stifle it. They didn’t want to add to Steve’s pain. Dustin was in worse shape. He didn’t know what to do. Does he hug Steve? Does he leave him alone? Does he cry? Does he stay strong? What does he do? So, he stands there. He stands there, and he cries, and Steve doesn’t see. He can’t see. The blurriness of his vision paired with the agonising pain in his brain and his heart just makes it so that he doesn’t see anything. He can’t even remember how they got your body to the hospital.

Telling your parents sucked. Steve couldn’t actually do it. He stood at one of the tables, folding clothes for the people packed in the stadium, the ones that had their houses crushed in the ‘earthquake’. He stood there, and he looked horrible. He was pale. He had bags under his eyes. He was thin. His eyes were red and his nose was raw. He couldn’t even talk properly. His hands shook. His knees trembled when your parents walked over.

Dustin had spoken to them. Told them how you died. Or, how you ‘died’. You were caught saving him and Eddie in the ‘earthquake’, and you had died. He chose to keep the fact that you had stood alone, surrounded by a swarm of bats after pushing Eddie out of the fray into Dustin’s arms.

The funny thing was, you didn’t die from the wounds from the bats. You didn’t even sustain many. Sure, you had enough that it would’ve put you in serious danger, but it wasn’t the wounds that killed you. Dustin may have been a little delirious, but he didn’t imagine you clutching your chest and dropping like a sack of potatoes. He didn’t imagine the jerk your body made as you breath caught. He didn’t imagine you dying standing up. He may not have been a doctor, but he wasn’t stupid. He was a nerd, and nerds read.

You had a heart attack. The fear had actually killed you. You had been scared to death.

That wasn’t even the worst part. The worst part was when the bats began to swan dive straight onto you. That was the worst part. That was the part that got Dustin screaming himself awake at night. That was the part that pushed Dustin to drag Eddie away, away from you. You didn’t feel it, at least. Steve didn’t even know how you died. Dustin knew that if Steve knew, he’d actually go mental. So, he and Eddie swore never to tell anyone else. Not family, not the party, no-one.

So when your mother came walking over to the Harrington boy, tears collecting in her eyes as she stretched her arms out, his knees finally gave out. He collapsed in her arms, filling her ears with never ending apologies. She shushed him, sobbing. Soon, your father joined the hug, and the three of them cried over your heroic sacrifice.

Meanwhile, Dustin and Eddie looked on from opposite sides. They exchanged glances, and went back to their own work. They never had to know that your death was so out of place, that you died with that much fear. They never had to know that you had cried that you didn’t want to be there. They didn’t have to know that you had asked Eddie to take you home. They never had to know that you asked Dustin for one more hug.

Love hurt, but they didn’t have to know how much worse it could get.

They kept their mouths shut.

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icu-now · 9 days

Note

eye-rolling "Well, I guess I can do that for you."

pretty please with Steve? 🥰🥰

You weren’t Steve’s girlfriend, not at all. In fact, the man hadn’t even managed to take you on a date. Not yet.

But Steve was pretty damn sure he was borderline besotted with you. Affection made him ache, the longing worse. He felt like a teenager again, a schoolboy with a soul shattering crush that he wasn’t sure he could hide much longer…

…from you, anyway. Everyone else knew.

Which is why Nancy grinned and Eddie laughed into his beer when you found him at the party, a small get together with some old high school friends that had turned into someone bigger and messier as more people returned home to Hawkins for the holidays.

Steve had been watching you move around the room for a while, sandwiched between the sofa arm and Robin, gaze watching the way you hugged each old friend, your eyes bright with excitement, your touch warm and affectionate as you hugged everyone you’d missed.

Steve didn’t even really have time to feel jealous before you were leaning over the back of the couch, your chin on Steve’s shoulder, your perfume familiar and heart racing. You were grinning when you stole his beer bottle with light fingers, non pleased as you brought it to your lips to steal a swig, uncaring that it was borderline warm from the way Steve had nursed it all night.

You didn’t notice the way Jonathan snickered at Steve’s expression, the way Eddie smirked and Robin nudged Steve’s ribs with a bony elbow. You couldn’t see how the poor man had turned pink, face flushed and chest almost still as you leaned closer, your cheek almost touching his.

And then you turned into him, lips so close to his, your nose nudging his temple as the cheap wine you’d been drinking made you bolder, less caring of your audience.

“Hey, Steve?”

Steve didn’t dare turn his head with you this close. He didn’t need his friends to witness him short circuit. He knew you’d be close, closer than ever, close enough to count the fan of your lashes, the flecks of different colours in your eyes, the tiny silver scar on your chin that you got when you were six.

So he hummed instead, taking his beer back from your hand and downing a long drag. He could barely taste the bitterness of it over the leftover stain of your cherry lip balm. It’s like he’d forgotten how to breathe—

“I was wondering, if it’s not too much hassle,” your hand found his shoulder, warm and familiar and affection as it slipped over the front of his chest, playing with his collar. “If you’re still taking Robin home, could you drop me off on the way?”

Steve took too long to reply, the feeling of your small hand against his chest too much for him to comprehend and Eddie was sitting across from his, his grin absolutely wild and Robin’s heel was grinding down on top of his trainers, urging him to answer.

“I—”

“It’s just,” you went onto explain, taking his overwhelmed silence for apprehension, “I was supposed to crash at Jenny’s but she’s going home with Chris now and I don’t really wanna walk, y’know?”

Eddie butted in then, all cheek and charm and Steve wanted to throttle him. He was still grinning, too wide and knowing, and he knocked his boot against Steve’s shin. He tsked, frowning exaggeratedly. “Hey now,” he told you, “Harrington won’t have you walkin’ anywhere, isn’t that right Steve? He’d love to give you a ride.”

Robin almost spat her drink out, waving you away when you looked at her concerned, coughing furiously into her fist and Steve was done.

He gave in then and turned, silently thankful that you moved back just a little, your eyes warm as he met your gaze and you grinned at the sight of him, like you’d missed him as much as he had you.

Fuck, you were pretty. So, so pretty.

And Steve didn’t know what to do. So he did what he always done and played his part, that character that he had in his back pocket from high school, the one he’d learned to tone down just a little and use as a shield. So he rolled his eyes but it only made you grin wider because fucking hell, you could see right through him and Steve knew that.

It’s why you kept your hand on his chest, your arm draped over his shoulder, touching him like he belonged to you and god— he did, he did, he did.

“Yeah, uh, sure,” Steve pretended to consider it. “I can do that for you.”

You tilted your head at him, all quiet flirtation, coy and knowing and your fingertips ran up his chest and over the neckline of his shirt until you were touching bare skin- just for a second.

It was enough to make Steve’s brain buzz, full shutdown, engine screeching, loading screen frozen.

“For me?” You pouted.

You were still too close and your lips were glossy and Steve knew they tasted like cherry. All his friends were staring.

“Yeah,” he nodded, throat dry, eyes on your mouth and the way it curled into a smile. The act was over, his play pretend crumbling. He was too soft for you to try and keep it up for very long. “For you.”

And when you thanked him with a too quick press of your lips to his cheek and then disappeared into the crowd again, his friends waited all of six seconds before they exploded.

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icu-now · 15 days

Note

hi bug! Can I request you a ditzy or shy!reader where some girl flirts with Steve in front of her maybe at Family Video? Little angsty because she feels insicure of herself? Thank you🩷

ty for requesting!! — steve doesn't realize he's being flirted with because he's so in love with you (ditzy!fem!r, hurt/comfort, 1.6k)

You color in a scribbled heart with enough vigor to break the pink crayon in your hand.

Steve always hangs your drawings in his locker in the Family Video break room, so you tend to take your art pretty seriously. ‘Cause there’s absolutely nothing humorous about the two stick figures holding hands — each of them vaguely resembling the both of you — that you’re passionately scribbling behind the front counter.

He’d watch you work your magic on a piece of lined scrap paper if he could. He’s too busy tending to a regular now. Mia, he thinks, or maybe Maia. She rents movies every week, but according to the system, she doesn’t watch a single one of them.

“Well, what do you recommend?” she questions with a smirk on her painted lips, leaning her elbows on the counter until her chest juts out.

Steve leans slowly backward and tries not to cough at the overwhelming scent of her fruity perfume. “Uh… I don’t know,” he answers with an unenthusiastic shrug. “I usually just watch whatever.”

The girl squints her dolled-up eyes. “You don’t have a favorite movie?”

Steve ponders the question for a moment. ‘Cause he doesn’t have one, really. All his favorite films are your favorites because he spends the majority of movie nights watching you instead.

So, at a loss of how to answer, he tells her your first choice. “The Star Wars movies are pretty alright.”

“Do you have them here?” she wonders.

Steve nods and points her in the other direction. “Yeah. In the Sci-Fi section.”

“Can you show me?” the girl questions with a hopeful glint in her pale eyes. Everything about her sparkles with mischief, like a predator hunting for prey. Stealthy, like a ninja, Steve would’ve called the approach a couple years ago. Long before he found you.

He’s more into forthright proclamations of love these days — bubblegum pink lipstick stains pressed to his cheek and handmade pictures drawn in crayon.

But, for the sake of Keith totally reaming him for not helping a customer, Steve nods and rounds the front counter. “Uh. Yeah. Sure. Follow me,” he urges halfheartedly, sparing you a forlorn glance as he goes. You’re much too distracted to see it, though.

You’re too distracted to notice most things, really.

That’s why Robin’s angrier than you are about the whole thing. She exhales a big huff and stands across from you, peering over the tower of tapes there. “God, he’s so oblivious,” she groans.

Your hand freezes as you color in Steve’s vest. You glance up at her with wide eyes, heart sinking at the annoyed look on her freckled features. “Huh?”

“Steve. That girl’s been drooling over him for five minutes, and he hasn’t even realized.”

Your brows pinch. “What girl?”

“The one that’s hanging all over him,” Robin answers, nodding her head to the other side of the store. The girl in question lingers at Steve’s side, a little too close to be casual. She hangs on every word he says — which certainly can’t be a whole lot, considering he knows next to nothing about that Star Wars franchise.

“I thought she was just being nice,” you shrug.

“She was flirting with your boyfriend,” Robin corrects in a monotone. “It was disgusting. I’m pretty sure her flirt got all over my pants.”

You look back at the two across the room. Steve tenses when the pretty redhead presses her chest against his arm. For the sake of not making things totally awkward, he forces himself not to shrink away. What had seemed virtually innocuous to you now makes your stomach ache.

“She’s so pretty…” you observe quietly to yourself.

Robin only scoffs. “Yeah. If you’re into girls like that.”

You don’t know exactly what she means, but it makes you lean slightly forward in interest anyway. “Do you think… Do you think Steve’s into girls like that?”

“No,” Robin answers, features twisted like it’s obvious. “He’s into girls like you.”

For the first time ever, you find that slightly hard to believe. Why would Steve ever pick you over someone like her? The way she smiles is pretty. The way she laughs is pretty. Even the way she talks is pretty.

And what do you have? A couple of stupid crayon portraits?

A strange feeling sears your chest when Steve and the pretty girl walk back to the counter. He must’ve told her a joke or something ‘cause she tips back her head to laugh loudly in response. Jealous tears sting your eyes accordingly. You take your art and your box of dull crayons and scurry off to the break room.

“I can help you check out!” Robin offers, suddenly very chipper.

The redhead’s face twists. “Oh. I thought that—”

“Steve’s needed in the breakroom, actually,” Robin tells her when the stranger’s pleading eyes flit to the boy beside her. “I can handle it from here.”

“Wait— What’s in the breakroom?” he wonders obliviously.

“Your girlfriend, dingus.”

Steve blinks once. The sudden lack of your presence makes his chest ache. He stalks off to find you without another word.

The redhead, Mia or Maia or whatever, doesn’t bother to disguise the shock painting her dainty features. “Girlfriend?” she echoes, quiet with disbelief.

Robin nods and takes the tapes from her hands, knowing she’s only renting them ‘cause she thought Steve liked them. The scanner beeps as she rings them up. “Yeah. He’s kinda in love with her, turns out. It’s disgusting.”

The conversation fades the further Steve gets down the hall. He opens the door to the back room with a grating squeak. The rusted hinges screech again in protest when he swings it shut behind him. He finds you slouched over the table, vehemently scribbling with vibrantly colored crayons.

He can’t help but smile at the sight of you. “Whatcha doin’?” he lilts in place of a greeting, sliding back a chair to sit across from you.

“Nothin’…” you mutter distantly.

Steve folds his arms over the tabletop and rests his chin on top of them. It bobs with every word. “Why’d you leave me, huh?”

You shrug with a faint I don’t know type of sound.

“Can I see what you’re drawing, at least?”

He grins and reaches for you without thinking — because you always let him see. Needless to say, when flinch suddenly away from him, it scares him far more than it should. You scramble to cover the paper with your arms like you’re doing something wrong.

“No,” you answer in a mousy voice.

A chuckle spills from Steve’s mouth. “What? Why? You always show me.”

“It’s stupid…”

“It’s not stupid! I love when you draw stuff for me,” the boy insists with a lopsided smile, distantly surprised by your sheepishness. The pretty pink grin slips from his mouth at the crestfallen glint in your eye. He softens without thinking. “What’s wrong? What happened? Did— Did Robin say something?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

You avert your eyes from his prying ones, feeling half-suffocated beneath his honeyed gaze. You start to color again with an absentminded hand, if only to have something else to look at. “You’re just…” you trail off, shifting uncomfortably in your chair. “You’re too pretty.”

He laughs before he means to. “What?”

“You’re pretty, and I don’t like that other people get to look at you,” you confess quietly, coloring in Steve’s hair with the ‘deep golden’ crayon. “It’s not fair— No one else should think you’re as beautiful as I do. I don’t like that.”

Steve props his chin on his palm and hides his grin behind his fingers. He reaches for your busy hand with his free one to get your attention. “Well, you know what?” he starts when your eyes flit up to his. “You’re the only one I want looking at me. So what everyone else thinks doesn’t really matter.”

“It is when they’re drooling all over you,” you answer with a scrunched nose.

Steve can’t help but scoff out a laugh. Those words have Robin Buckley written all over them.

“Last I heard, Rob was giving that girl what for, so… you don’t have to worry about that anymore,” he tells you, both to soothe the misplaced jealousy and to make you smile. He thinks it only half works. “Can I tell you a secret?”

You perk up at that. Steve grins and leans in close like he’s about to confess something serious. His dark eyes twinkle with mischief.

“I’m so stupid in love with you that I forget other girls exist sometimes,” he murmurs in true secret-spilling fashion. “And when they’re… drooling all over me? I don’t even see it. ‘Cause all I’m thinking about is how I have my own girl back home. And that I’d much rather have her drooling on me.”

“…Am I the girl?” you press in a tiny voice, just to be sure.

“Yes, baby, I’m talking about you,” Steve chuckles. “You should know that— You’rethe one drooling on my pillow every morning.”

Your nose scrunches sheepishly. “You’ve said that word too many times… It doesn’t sound real anymore.”

“What’s that called again?”

“Semantic satiation,” you answer without missing a beat.

“Well, now I’m gonna tell you I love you ’til you’re semantically satiated,” the boy teases with a knowing squint in his eyes. “‘Cause I love you.”

“Steve.”

“I love you.”

“Stop,” you say, sterner now, though your gaze still glimmers with something soft. Your eyes follow his form when he rises from the table, shifting the short distance to sit in the chair closest to you. “Steve, stop—”

“I love you,” he repeats, anyway, taking you into his arms and smacking a dramatic kiss to your warm cheek. Between each innocuous peck, he mumbles, “I love you— I love you— I love you—”

Steve doesn’t stop kissing you until he hears you giggling again. The pretty sound brightens the dull breakroom. And all he can think about is what a lucky schmuck he is. To get to kiss you and make you laugh forever.

1K notes · View notes

icu-now · 19 days

Text

Just to Learn That You Never Cared

Pairing: Peter Parker x reader

Synopsis: always leaving class together to go fight crime leads people to think you’re dating when in reality you’re barely even friends. That is, until you agree to fake a relationship to keep your secret life a secret

requested/idea by @usoppsstar

Masterlist

“Oh, hey. Your girlfriend left this in class.” One of Peter’s classmates said as he tossed Peter a hoodie.

“Oh. Thanks.” Peter said before realizing what the person had said. He turned the hoodie over in his hands and recognized it as yours. His face warmed up in a blush when he realized you had just been mistaken for his girlfriend. He shoved the hoodie into his bag and wondered if he should tell you or not.

Peter saw you later that night on a rooftop you frequented often. You were in your suit, as was he, but had your mask sitting beside you. You were munching on a bag of chips and wordlessly extended them to him when he landed on the rooftop beside you. He smiled graciously and took a few before sitting down next to you. Your knees were touching but neither of you moved away.

“You left this in physics, dingus.” Peter said and handed you your hoodie.

“Oh, thanks. We had to run out of there so fast to save that lady. I must’ve left it behind.” You smiled gratefully and pulled it over your head. Peter felt bad that his high tech suit had built in heaters and your homemade suit was probably leaving you freezing every night. He wanted to suggest sharing his warmth, but he didn’t want to overstep.

“I know. Thank God she called the police on those kids for selling lemonade without a permit. I’m really glad we left a test to go witness that heinous crime.”

“It’s not all bad. We did get to see the cops arrest her for wasting their time by making a fake police report, which is always satisfying. And the kids gave us free lemonade. But I think calling it “homemade” was bullshit. I know Minute Maid when I taste it.” You replied, making Peter chuckle.

“You’re right. Both those things were enjoyable.” Peter agreed. “But I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I feel like we have to leave class every other day.”

“I know. Why did we have to pick a college in such a Karen ridden neighborhood?” You sighed.

“Because we wanted to go to the good school with the good science program. We should’ve known the neighborhood would be full of bored housewives who call the police whenever they have a minor complaint. It was our own hubris.”

“It was.” You chuckled and said looked over at him. You exchanged soft smiles before you looked over at the city horizon. Peters eyes never left you and he cleared his throat to get your attention.

“So, uh, my aunt and I were gonna get Chinese food later. At the place that got shut down for being a front for money laundering but that was really just a front for a second Chinese food chain.”

“Oh, I love that place.”

“Yeah. It’s great.” He nodded. “Anyways, you should totally come-“

Peter was cut off by the police radio he wired to his phone going off. He rolled his eyes and checked what the alert was.

“Damn it. Robbery at the bakery on 9th.” He told you.

“Lowkey, I’d do the same. Their cream puffs made me cream.” You said as you put your mask back on.

“Haha, yeah.” Peter chuckled. “Wait, what?”

“You should get some sleep. I’ll handle the robbery. But I’ll catch you tomorrow, Parker. Get home safe.” You saluted him before falling backwards off the building.

“I love you too.” Peter sighed.

“Did you say something?” You asked and popped back up.

“No.” Peter quickly lied.

“Okay. Well, see you tomorrow.” You waved to him and disappeared again. Peter let out another sigh before swinging home.

The next day, you ran after one of your classmates once class was let out.

“Hey, Carly. I emailed you my notes from the class you missed.” You told her.

“Thank you so much. You’re a life saver.” She replied. “Oh, and could you tell your boyfriend that band practice is in the gym today?”

“Yeah, sure. No problem.” You agreed. She was about to walk away when you realized what she had said.

“Wait, what am I saying?” You wondered. “Who’s my boyfriend?”

“You know. That guy with the prescription shoes.” Carly answered. You tilted your head in confusion until you realized you knew exactly who she was talking about.

“Wait, Peter?” You laughed in surprise. You expected her to laugh too and reveal she was just kidding but she looked completely serious.

“Oh, right. Peter. Why do I always think his name is Timmy?” Carly wondered.

“Because he looks like a Timmy. He gets it all the time.” You waved your hand. “And his shoes are not prescription. He just bought women’s platform shoes because he wanted to be taller and didn’t think anyone could tell.”

“We can.” Carly mumbled.

“I know.” You agreed. “But, I’m getting off topic. Timmy is not my boyfriend. I mean, Peter is not my boyfriend.”

“Whatever label you guys use, can you tell him that wind ensemble is meeting in the gym instead of the choir room? The sopranos kicked us out again to practice or do drugs or something.” Carly explained. You furrowed your eyebrows at her and tried to figure out if she was joking or not.

“The label? I’m so lost. Who told you that Peter’s my boyfriend?”

“Nobody told me.” She shrugged. “Everyone just knows that you guys are a couple.”

“Well how would they know something that isn’t true?” You asked and folded your arms.

“I mean, it’s not like you guys try to keep it a secret. Between all the whispering and staying close by each other. Plus you’re always sneaking out of class together or showing up late. And if one of you is absent, the other always is too. It’s been like that since high school. People just put two and two together I guess. Why, did you want to to be secret?”

“I didn’t want it to be anything. We’re not even dating.” You insisted and felt like you were going crazy.

“You don’t have to deny it.” Carly laughed. “I know feelings are weird and gross and stuff and you’ve never been the relationship type, but I think this guy is good for you. He brings something out in you. I don’t know. But you guys are cute. I love seeing the nice loser and assertive pretty girl troupe in real life.”

“Oh. Well, thank you.” You calmed down momentarily and smiled a little. Carly walked away and your smile quickly faded when you remembered what she had said. You looked around the hallway and saw another student holding an instrument.

“Hey. Band nerd.” You called out to him.

“Me?” He asked and pointed to himself.

“Yes, you. You had to let go of your saxophone case to point to yourself. Have you seen my boyfriend today?” You asked him.

“Peter? I haven’t seen him since yesterday in-“

“That sentence better not end with “wind ensemble” or I’m gonna lose it.”

“It was wind ensemble.” He said quickly.

“I’m leaving.” You shook your head and walked away from him. You pulled out your phone and went straight to your schools “campus sweethearts” page on instagram. Sure enough, there was a picture of you and Peter sitting next to each other right at the top of the page. You had your head thrown back laughing at something he was saying and he was looking at you fondly. You let out a shocked gasp and before walking out into the courtyard to look for Peter. You spotted him on a bench and smiled.

“Yes. Thank you, small campus”. You pumped your fist and went to sit next to him.

“Oh, hi. I was just thinking about you-“

“Someone is spreading a horrible rumor about you.” You cut him off.

“Oh no.” Peter frowned. “What is it? Is it bad?”

“Horrible.” You shook your head. “Peter, they’re saying you’re in wind ensemble.”

“Oh, I am.” Peter shrugged.

“Huh?”

“I play the clarinet . See. Clarinet.” Peter said and lifted up his little black clarinet case.

“Huh?” You said louder.

“I used to play in high school, pre-bite but post 9/11. I saw a flyer for orchestra on campus so I joined.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” You practically shouted. Peter knew you weren’t happy but felt strangely honored that you were so upset over him not telling you something about her personal life.

“Because I know how you feel about band nerds.” He replied. “And you and I don’t really talk about non-work related things. I didn’t think you’d care.”

“Are you kidding me? Of course I care.” You insisted. “My rumored boyfriend has been in wind ensemble this whole time and I didn’t even know?”

“Wait, rumored boyfriend? Who, me?” Peter asked in surprised.

“So you didn’t know about this either?”

“No. I mean, someone did refer to you as my girlfriend the other day but I thought it was just an accident. People think you and me are dating?” Peter asked and tried not to look as pleased as he felt.

“Apparently. I’ve had multiple people refer to you as my boyfriend today. And look. We’re on the campus couples Instagram page.” You said and held up your phone.

“Ew. We have one of those?” Peter grimaced and took your phone to see the picture better.

“Yeah. I honestly think the principle runs it.” You replied. Peter was quiet as he stared at the picture for a while.

“What?” You wondered.

“Nothing. This just a cute picture of us. And I think the only picture of us.” He said with a shy smile. You frowned and looked at the picture again before realizing he was right.

“Carly said people think we’re dating since we’re always sneaking off together.” You told him. Peter thought out this for a minute and then made another connection.

“Ohhhh.” He said and nodded his head.

“What?”

“This explains why the boys congratulated me on the bus back to New York after the Washington monument trip for losing my virginity at a historic landmark.”

“You lost your virginity on that trip? To who?” You whispered harshly and felt jealousy burning through your veins.

“You, apparently.” He laughed. “You and I disappeared to get the glowy alien egg bomb thing back and I guess everyone assumed we were off desecrating a national monument.”

“Oh my God. That was like 3 years ago.” You realized. “People have thought we were dating this whole time? We need to put a stop to this.”

“Yeah. You’re right. Or…” Peter trailed off and gave you a look.

“Or?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Or, we lean into it.” He suggested. “We let people think it. We encourage it, even.”

“Why would we do that?”

“People have been suspicious about where we go and what we’re doing since high school. We can only fake so many illnesses and I ran out of grandparents to lie about the death of by junior year. So if people already made up a reason, maybe we should let them think that. We don’t have to go out of our way to confirm it but we can keep the assumption going to keep them from finding out what we’re really doing.”

“So you think we should let people think we’re dating so they stop wondering about what we’re always off doing?”

“That’s exactly what I just said, yes.” Peter nodded.

“Hey. Be nicer to your fake girlfriend.” You said and smacked his arm.

“I’m sorry. I will.” Peter blushed and rubbed his arm. You felt bad for hitting him and wrapped both arms around him to rub them up and down. He smiled softly at you and you sat in comfortable silence for a moment.

“You play the clarinet?” You asked after a minute.

“Squidward made it look so cool.” Peter shrugged.

“Did he?” You asked, making Peter laugh.

“No.” He admitted.

The next day, you and Peter walked to school together with the understanding that from then on out, you were going to play the part of a happy couple. You weren’t going to go around announcing it to everyone or anything. You just needed to convince the few that didn’t already believe the rumor and confirm things for the ones who did believe it.

“You ready for this?” You asked Peter as you stepped into campus.

“I think so. Maybe we should hold hands or something. You know, since people think we’re dating.” Peter suggested and tried to make it sound like it didn’t matter to him.

“I guess so.” You shrugged and held out your hand. Peter eagerly took your hand and took note of the way it fit in his like it was made for him.

“This is weird.” You whispered to him, popping his bubble.

“Why? Are my hands sweaty?” He panicked.

“No. Just really, really hot.” You told him. “It’s just weird that nobody seems to care that we’re holding hands right now.”

“I mean, we are just two random people with almost no social presence.”

“That’s true. I guess I just thought people would care more.” You admitted as you looked around the campus. No one was phased by you and Peter, but he was too busy enjoying the moment to realize it.

“Are you disappointed?” He asked you.

“Yeah. I wore my best bra because I thought I’d be getting more attention today.” You frowned and adjusted the strap of your bra.

“It’s okay. I’ll take one for the team and stare at your boobs.” Peter assured you.

“Aw. Thank you.” You gushed and gave his hand a squeeze.

You got to your physics class and sat together at your usual lab table. Peter looked around the classroom while you carried on as usual.

“Maybe I should put my arm around you. You know, to really convince people.” Peter suggested with a shy blush on his face.

“Is that really something people do?” You genuinely wondered. “I feel like I never see couples with their arms around each other.”

“Actually, I don’t think I have either. But let’s try it anyway.” He said and wrapped an arm around you. You scooted closer to him so that you could comfortably lean into him. You quickly realized you didn’t hate it and let out a content sigh.

“Hm.” Peter made a little noise at the back of his throat.

“What?” You asked him.

“Our height difference makes this hurt my shoulder.” He leaned over to whisper in your ear.

“Then move your arm.” You whispered back.

“I can’t. I just wrapped it around you. It’ll look weird if I immediately take it off.” Peter said as he covered behind him to see who was looking.

“Or, consider this. Nobody in this entire city, and dare I say world, cares where your arm is right now.” You whispered harshly.

“Fine. I’ll remove it. But I have to give a reason.” He told you before loudly clearing his throat.

“Ah. Sorry, babe. I can’t cuddle you right now. My arm is sore from band practice.” Peter said loud enough for everyone in the classroom to hear him. You hung your head in shame and heard people murmuring about his strange comment.

“Oh God.” Peter gulped. “People are looking. They’re gonna know something is up. I have to put it back.”

He went to put his arm back around you but you stopped him before he could draw any more attention to the two of you.

“Just do this.” You whispered to him and pulled his stool closer to you and turned towards him a little. Your knees and were touching and you were now facing each other.

“That’s it? No one can even see this.” Peter said in disappointment. He thought being your fake boyfriend would bring you guys closer but you were sitting the way you always sat in class.

“It’s not about what people can see. It’s about proximity.” You explained. “We’re sitting closer together than anyone else is without being egregious about it. It’s a simple touch. If we’ve been together as long as people think we have, we don’t need to be wrapped around each other all the time. A simple touch to let the other know we’re there is all we need.”

Peter was silent as he stared at you following your explanation. He stared for so long that you felt yourself blush under the eye contact.

“What?” You asked him.

“I like the way you explain things.” Peter said simply. You quickly looked down so he wouldn’t see the effect that comment had on you and took a moment to collect yourself.

“It’s just something I thought of.” You shrugged.

“I know. But I never would have thought of that. Especially not as naturally as it did for you. You’re so quick.”

“Thank you.” You laughed shyly and found yourself unable to look away from him. Peter opened his mouth to say something to keep the momentum rolling but his phone interrupted him.

“Shoot. Sus-tivity on the b bridge.” He whispered.

“What the hell does that mean?” You asked at full volume.

“It means there’s suspicious activity on the Brooklyn bridge.” He rolled his eyes. “We have to act fast so I didn’t have time to say the whole thing.”

“But you just said the whole thing. And the abridged version. So it took twice as long.”

“Shh.” He waved his hand. “We gotta go.”

You reluctantly collected your things and took Peter’s hand to pull him out of his seat. Peter followed you out the classroom but the teacher cleared her throat when you walked by.

“And where are you two going?” She asked. You and Peter exchanged looks as the class snickered and murmured their theories about what exactly you were heading off to do.

“I’m sorry, Dr. Pepper. My girlfriend and I have to leave class unexpectedly. Please excuse us. It’s urgent.” Peter’s said politely.

“I bet it’s urgent, Parker.” A boy snickered, making serval classmates laugh.

“Gross.” You wrinkled your noses and looked at the boys in disdain.

“Fine.” The teacher sighed. “The only reason I don’t write you two up for skipping so often is because you somehow have the best grades in the class. Go on. Just get the homework done.”

“We will.” You assured her before leaving the room with Peter. Peter noticed that you didn’t drop his hand even when you were alone in the hallway.

“Hey, you know that teachers name is Dr. Zhang and not Dr. Pepper, right?” You asked him.

“Oh my God.” Peter gasped. “Is it really? I’ve emailed her so many times and said “Dear Dr. Pepper”. We have to drop out.”

You laughed and held his hand the rest of the way out of the building.

That night, Peter laid in his bed with his phone held close to his face. He had been trying to figure out what to text you to let you know he had been thinking of you.

“I had fun fighting crime with you today” He wrote out. He read it over before scrunching his nose.

“No. Too cringe. She is not gonna fall in love with someone that says “fighting crime”. I’m not Paw Patrol.” He said like it was obvious. He deleted his text and thought of another one.

“I had a good time today, we make a good team” He wrote out instead. He read it a few times until he found issue with it.

“Oh, you had a good time stopping those break dancers that were obstructing that Sbarro? That’ll catch her attention.” Peter said sarcastically and deleted the text.

“have a goodnight :)” He typed out and then shook his head.

“No. Wayyyy too horny.” He sighed and deleted it again.

“night” He wrote out and read it a few times.

“This is good. I can work with this.” He nodded. He was about to workshop it when a text from you popped up.

“pick a color” It said. Peters heart skipped a beat at the vague message and replied with the first color that popped into his head.

“blue”

“thank u” You wrote back within seconds. Peters heart stopped pounded and the disappointment that the conversation was over settled in. After all these years of fighting crime together, you two never really managed to make it past the coworkers stage. He was desperate for more but never knew how to get there.

“no homo but I had fun fighting crime with you today” You suddenly texted again. A smile tugged at Peter’s lips and he touched his as if it were your face.

“ok paw patrol” He wrote back. Back in your room, you were laughing at his text and trying to think of a witty reply.

“ur mad bc you know I’m the chase 🐶” You texted him.

“if ur the Chase then who am I?”

“plssss ur such a marshall” You wrote back.

“but that’s the third most important dog :(“ Peter replied.

“well yes but he’s cute and wears red so the little paw patrol shoe fits” You answered. A blush painted Peters cheeks over you calling him cute but he didn’t want to read too much into it.

“Im wearing red right now😳” He texted back.

“oh I bet you are” You answered, making him laugh. He kept the conversation going for about an hour before duty called once again. Peter groaned and put his suit on before swinging to the scene of the crime. He met you there and stopped the crime before stopping on a nearby rooftop to rest.

“These burglars aren’t very considerate of our sleep schedules. Who robs a Jersey Mikes after midnight? Or, like, ever?” Peter huffed as he tugged his mask off.

“I know. They’re always at inconvenient times. I was in the middle of painting my nails.”

“Can I see?” He asked in a soft voice. You pulled your gloves off and held out your hand for him to see.

“Look. Blue. But I only got half way through before Mike’s was targeted.”

“It’s okay. They still look pretty.” Peter complimented you with a soft smile.

“Thanks. You picked a good color.” You replied.

“What do you mean?” He frowned.

“I told you to pick a color. This is why.” You explained and held out your hand again. His eyes lit up at this new information and he took your hand to see your nails closer.

“You let me chose your nail color?” He smiled fondly.

“Well I didn’t know what to chose so I thought I’d ask the audience.” You shrugged and felt shy all of the sudden.

“Oh. And I’m the target audience, huh?” Peter smirked and turned towards you.

“I never said target.” You teased him and shoved him shoulder.

“I must be hearing things, then.” He shrugged as you both smiled.

“Yeah. Must be.” You said in a soft voice as you stared into his eyes. Peter gulped before making a bold move and taking your hand again under the guise of looking at your nails.

“Look at you. You even got my favorite shade.” He noted.

“You like “Eating For Blue”?” You pretended to gasp.

“Is that really the name of the color?” He laughed.

“Uh huh. It was apart of Essie’s baby fever collection. I almost chose “All In Blue Time” but that’s one tends to get little air bubbles and they give me agida. And I used to have “A Dream Come Blue” but it rolled under the sink so it belongs to the dust bunnies now.” You shrugged as you checked out your nails.

“Wow. This is all new information to me. So, are all nail polish colors named after puns and wordplay?” He asked as he stared into your eyes. He didn’t really care, but he was finally getting somewhere with you and didn’t want it to end.

“In my experience, yes. Not always color related wordplay but always something that makes you go yeah, I guess this shade of beige is what the word “ladylike” would be as a color.”

“This is blowing my mind right now.” Peter chuckled.

“You mean blue-ing your mind.” You corrected and tapped the side of your head.

“I think you inhaled too many of those fumes. Because that was not funny.” Peter said through a laugh.

“What?” You pretended to be offended. “You’re literally laughing right now. I’m so funny.”

“You are.” Peter admitted when his laughter died down. You stared into eyes for a minute before smiling.

“Is that what you rumored saw in me?” You asked him.

“Probably.” He chuckled. “I also heard a rumor that I think you’re really pretty. Like, the prettiest girl I was ever rumored to have allegedly seen.”

“Now you’re the one who’s looney from the fumes because that’s a straight up lie. I know you’ve seen prettier girls because I was standing right next to you when Anne Hathaway left that diner.” You said without making eye contact with him. Things were moving a little too fast and you needed it hit the brakes for a second.

“Oh, yeah. You’re right.” Peter forced a laugh and awkwardly looked over at the cityscape when he realized you were politely telling him to pull back.

“But I appreciate it.” You said after a beat of silence.

“Of course. Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking saying that.” He laughed nervously. “I was just getting caught up in the fake dating. We’ve been doing it for so long that it felt real.”

“We only started this morning.” You reminded him.

“Right. Well, it’s late. I’m gonna go home.” He said quickly and stood up. He had just blown that and needed to leave as quickly as possible.

“Okay. Goodnight. See you at school.” You called after him. Peter swung home with tears in his eyes and went straight to bed, missing your text about having fun fighting another crime.

The next day at school, Peter decided to start over and push last night from his mind. He played the part of your boyfriend to the best of his abilities and opened every door, pulled out every seat, and carried ever book for you all day long. Then he did it the next day, and the day after that. He kept his mouth shut about his feelings day in and day out no matter how painful it was getting. You and Peter had finally moved past the coworker stage and become real friends so he didn’t want to sabotage it all by telling you that he spent his days wishing for more.

“What are your plans tonight?” You asked him one day as you walked out of class together.

“My aunt is going out with her friends so I was probably gonna watch a movie on my couch. But on my laptop with my earbuds in. Likely in my boxers. Likely with an entire package of Twizzlers. Why?”

“Well I was gonna suggest that we hang out but you sound booked.”

“Really? You want to hang out?” Peter asked with much more enthusiasm than he intended.

“If you want. I’m not doing anything as exciting as boxers and Twizzlers.”

“I would love to. I’ll put on pants for you. I promise.”

“Sounds good.” You laughed. “Text me your address, okay?”

“Sure. Or you could walk with me now. Unless you’re tired of me and need a break before we hang out.” Peter suggested as you left campus together.

“It’s funny you say that. I was just telling my mom the other day that I never get tired of you.” You said casually.

“You..you don’t?” Peter’s face heated up as he followed you down the sidewalk.

“I don’t. I usually need a break from other people if we’ve been together awhile but it’s different with you. It doesn’t feel like I’m using my social battery if that makes sense.“

“It makes sense.” He smiled shyly as your hands bumped against each others. He was about to make a bold move and take your hand despite no one being around but you suddenly moved it to hit the crosswalk button.

Back at Peter’s apartment, he awkwardly gave you a tour and wished he had picked up his clothes before leaving the house that morning. You didn’t seem to mind the socks and boxers strewn across his room because you were too focused on all the little things he kept on his shelves. You picked up a picture frame of your freshman year high school class that had you and Peter seated right next to each other. Your friendship had only just begun so you often forgot how long you knew him for.

“So this is your room.” You smiled and put the picture back.

“Yup. This is where the magic happens.” Peter said and immediately cringed at himself.

“Oh really?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah. This is where I practice magic. Wanna see?” He asked and picked up a deck of cards. You laughed and went over to take one.

“Is your card the ace of spades?” He asked.

“Queen of hearts.” You snorted and turned the card around.

“You’re the queen of my heart.” He whispered.

“Did you say something?” You asked as you looked at all his Legos.

“I asked what you wanted to do tonight.” He lied.

“I don’t know. We have the place to ourselves. We could do something rated R.” You said with a coy smile.

“Like what?” Peter gulped.

“Watch an R rated movie, you perv. Your aunt isn’t here to stop you.”

“You remember me telling you that I’m not allowed to watch R rated movies in the living room anymore?” Peter blushed at you remembering something he had randomly told you long ago.

“Are you referring to the time you watched Tusk at full volume while she had her friends from work over for the first time? How could I forget?”

“In my defense, I didn’t know what the movie was about. And I didn’t think her friends were gonna come into the living room and see that guy getting turned into a walrus.”

“Yeah, the title and cover art gave no indication that the movie would end that way. But that’s not a bad idea actually. Let’s watch something scary.”

“Okay.” Peter agreed and followed you out into the living room. He turned off the lights and got some snacks while you picked a movie. He hated scary movies but he was not about to tell you that. Instead, he sat on the couch beside you as a respectful distance and handed you a bag of chips. As the movie went on, you got closer and closer to each other. Peter had never really seen you scared before but you were practically in his lap just 40 minutes into the movie. You reached into the bag of chips at the same time as Peter and your fingers touched. You both froze and looked at each other as your faces heated up.

“Shit. I’m not wearing a condom.” Peter sighed, making you yank your hand out and laugh.

“You’re stupid.” You laughed and turned back to the movie just as a jump-scare happened. You screamed and jumped closer to Peter.

“This is so scary. Why did I pick this movie?” You asked as you drew your knees up and leaned into his side.

“Yeah, same.” He replied, not even listening. He couldn’t hear anything over the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. You were cuddled into his side with your head on his shoulder and knees in his lap with a blanket drawn up to your nose. He knew you were only cuddling him because you were scared but it didn’t even matter at that point. The movie went quiet for a minute and then made a loud sound, sending you to burry your face into Peter’s neck.

“Tell me when it’s safe to come out.” You whispered into his ear. Peter gulped and wrapped an arm around you to fully protect you from the movie.

“I will.” He said in a soft voice. You peaked your head out a few minutes later but stayed nestled into Peter’s side. You realized his arm was around you and smiled a little.

“Oh, this isn’t so bad.” You shrugged as the main character got eaten alive.

“I don’t understand you.” Peter chuckled and looked down at you. You laughed as well as you looked into his eyes. He was about to say something when another sharp sound from the movie caused you to jump.

“Hold my hand.” You blurted and grabbed his hand. Peter happily accepted and clasped your hand before holding it under his chin. You stayed in that position for a long time and watched the movie. You were both so focused on the screen that you didn’t hear May opening the front door and coming in.

“Hey. I’m home.” She said, making you both scream.

“Oh, hi May.” Peter greeted while he realized it was just her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Parker. I’m-“

“I know.” She smirked. “I’ll just be in my room. But, Peter?”

“Yeah?”

“No going in your room with the door closed, okay? I’m home. And we have thin walls. Just keep that in mind.” She said, making Peter turn bright red.

“Got it, May.” He mumbled. She winked at you and disappeared into her bedroom.

“You told your aunt we were dating?” You whispered to Peter in confusion.

“No.” Peter answered honestly. “I guess she just assumed we were.”

“Wow. She’s just like the kids at school.” You shook your head. “I don’t get it. Why does everyone think we’re dating?”

“I mean…” Peter trailed off and looked down at your clasped hands. You hadn’t realized you were still cuddling and quickly jumped off of him. Peters heart sank and the longer he sat in the absence of your body heat, the more upset he felt.

“You just jumped off of me like I was sharp.” He said without looking at you.

“I didn’t want your aunt to see us cuddling and think-“

“And think what?” He snapped, cutting you off. You gutted your head back in surprise and let out a nervous laugh.

“Woah. What’s going on with you? She already knows about your secret life. We don’t have any reason to pretend we’re dating in front of her.”

Peter stared at you for a long time as the word “pretend” cut into him like a knife. Every time he thought you were going somewhere, he was reminded that it didn’t actually mean anything to you.

“Yeah. You’re right.” He mumbled and looked at the movie again. You kept your eyes on him and felt guilty. You had so much to say to him but you felt unable to speak.

“Peter-“

“I don’t think we should pretend to date anymore.” He blurted, cutting you off once again. Your eyebrows went up in surprise and you got a sick feeling in your tummy that you had just ruined something really important.

“What? Why not?”

“It’s stupid. No one even cares anymore.” He shrugged. “We don’t have to fake a breakup or anything but I don’t want to hold hands or play along anymore. I’m done.”

“What changed?” You asked in a soft voice. He was still looking at the movie while you were fully turned to face him.

“Nothing changed. That’s the problem.” He said and angrily got off the couch. You quickly caught his hand and he stopped. He looked down at the ground and let out a sigh. He knew it wasn’t fair to be mad at you if he hadn’t told you what was wrong. He slowly turned around and looked at you.

“Five years ago, you showed up to the same robbery at an all night CVS that I was at and I realized we knew each other from AP Spanish class because I had asked you earlier that day how to conjugate “poner” and you said “pusiste” and I laughed because I thought you were joking but you weren’t and then that night you heard me tell the burglar that he better“pusiste” the money back into the register.“ Peter began.

“Okay. Wow. That was a really long sentence.” You laughed softly. “But I remember that. I laughed and told you that you better remember that for the test.”

“You did. That’s how I knew it was you.” He smiled at the memory. “I failed that test, by the way. I still can’t conjugate “poner.” And I still think it means “boner” even though I know it’s a verb. But anyway, that night, I couldn’t sleep because I was so excited to have met you. Even though we technically already knew each other, that night put us in each others radars. I could not believe that I had met my match. You’re into science like me and sarcastic like me and you understand this side of my life because you have the same side. But despite running into each other on patrol almost nightly and seeing each other around school, I barely got you to notice me. I don’t think you even knew my name until we ended up going the same college. You called me “Timmy” all throughout high school.”

“You seriously look like one. It’s uncanny. I don’t know what it is.”

“I thought things would change when I found out we were going to the same college. The campus is so small I figured there’s no way we wouldn’t become friends. But even then, we hardly ever talked and when we did it was always about work. I didn’t even know where you lived until last semester.”

“I remember that too. The first night we really bonded was when you fell off that roof because you were trying to show me how to do a backflip.”

“Yeah, I’ve never been able to do a backflip.” He admitted. “I only said I could because you said you always wanted to learn how to do one and I assumed given my abilities I’d be able to do one if I just followed my body. But I busted my ass and you were kind enough to sneak me through your window and patch me up with some Scooby Doo bandaids.”

“It was all I had.” You shrugged.

“And you gave it to me anyway. Because you’re kind and compassionate and I’m just…I’m crazy about you.” Peter finally admitted. “I was so excited when we started hanging out more this semester but it always ended up crushing me when I remembered that we just doing it to keep people from finding out the truth. I really, really love our friendship and if I’m ruining it all by saying all this then at least I can die with it off my chest.”

“Wait, now I’m confused. Are you dying?”

“Maybe.” He shrugged. “It feels like I am every time you and I start to get close and then I remember this is all pretend for you.”

“So it’s not pretend for you?” You asked quietly. Peter stared into your heads for a minute and then shook his head.

“No. I was never pretending. I like you.” He told you. Your facial expression didn’t change as you stared back at him. Peter was really starting to panic until a smile tugged at your lips.

“Sit back down.” You told him.

“I’m sat.” He said and rushed it sit down. You nestled back into his side and laid your head down on his shoulder. Peter smiled and rested his head on top of yours, finally pleased with the way a conversation with you went. You both turned your attention back to the movie just in time for it to end.

“Hm.” You huffed. “That was supposed to be us symbolically finishing the movie as a real couple but it appears we’ve already arrived at the credits. Now what?”

“We could watch Tusk.” Peter suggested at the same time you said “We could make out.”

“I never actually saw Tusk but I always wanted to.” You gasped and hit his arm with excitement.

“Or we could do your thing.” Peter forced a laugh and tried not to sound as desperate as he felt.

“Let me see if I can find it.” You said as you scrolled through the streaming services on his TV.

“Or we could do your thing.”

Tag List 🏷️

@thebookwormlife @imanativeofswlondondahling

@tom-hollands-wifey

@whatareyouhidingpeter @takenbyheartstrings

@imyourliquor-youremypoison @andreasworlsboring101

@peterparkoure

@justcallmehitgirl @jackiehollanderr

@emmamarshmellow @unbelievableholland

@sovereignparker @every-marveler-ever @undiadeestos @eridanuswave

@solarxmoonchild @canyouevencauseicant

@quaksonhehe @lovelessdagger

@thesuitelifeofafangirl @marshxx @nooneinvitedfascistbarbie

@maybemona

@alexxcorona113 @lethal-wisdom

@pandaxnienke

@itsemohours

@freakofmusic25 @tomholland85

@olixerwxxd @leilanixx

@whereismytelephone @so-very-asleep @white-wolf1940

@spideyspeaches @hihiweezing

@mathletemadison

@dhtomholland @insomniac-nerd-posts-things @prancerrparkerr

@hallecarey1 @adayasgeorgia @blackwidowisthebest @imawhoreforu

@ciarahollands

@nellabellaa @pinklxmonade @boogywoogywoogy

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icu-now · 20 days

Text

𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃 ★ P. Parker

*inspired by BODYGUARD by Beyoncé*

Pairing: Peter Parker x black!reader, Peter Parker x stripper!reader

Summary: Just when he had given up any hope of finding you again, Peter stumbles upon his former girlfriend moonlighting as a dancer in Queens' most popular gentlemens club "Star City"-- his only concern, the fact that you don't remember his existence or history.

Warnings: 18+ only, adult themes, sexual themes, fluff, angst, mentions of guns and gun violence, language, this fic in no way romanticizes or glamourizes strip clubs or dancing - this fic also in no way shames or demeans strip clubs or dancing, No Way Home Spoilers even tho the movie been out a good minute, MINORS DNI

Taglist: @143amberrose @disaster-rose @aiianovna @charmed-asylum @manuosorioh @roserrys @deansbbysblog @caitsymichelle13 @snuggleducky

---

Peter Parker craved a sense of normalcy following the erasure of his existence.

He could go anywhere in the world and be anyone he wanted to be, but, the familiarity of Spider-Man kept him shackled to his neighborhood like a ball and chain. The world moved on without him, not the friendly neighborhood spider, but Peter was of no use to anyone in his day-to-day life. In fact, he had no one. The only comfort he held at night was the existence of his hero alter ego and that it was now his only sense of home.

After nearly three years of trying to track you with no luck, he gave up the delusion of finding you and having you in his life again. The idea that you were out there somewhere without him haunted him at night. Darkness crept into his thoughts, wondering where you were and who you were with.

Even though you had no memories, he still held onto the idea of you. Every kiss, every hug, every laugh you two shared was all that he had left of you. He missed your voice so much, even when you two argued it was his favorite thing to hear. He missed the feeling of your body between his fingers, the pressure of your hips against his, the way you would moan in his ear.

They say time heals all wounds, but as life went on, his seemed to only grow deeper.

It was the Summer time when he heard a disturbance over the police radio system. It was 3am when the alert came through and woke him from his hour of sleep. It was already a difficult night for him, one of those days where the world felt like it was crumbling and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He wanted to take a valium and be granted an ounce of relief, but, he was out of his prescription. By some twisted chance of fate or pure luck, he was awake and coherent enough to suit up and be on the scene within a few minutes.

The call came from a gentlemen’s club three blocks away from his apartment. Star City was known for its topless women, great food, and violence spiking during the warmer months. Anybody with any desire to live wouldn’t dare step foot within the club in the wee hours of the night.

Swinging through the city, Peter could see the small huddle of women surrounding a police car. He planted himself against a building, able to hide enough in the shadows and still detect what was happening.

“There were gunshots fired everywhere.” He heard a woman speak. In disbelief, he furrowed his brows. There was no way he was hearing this correctly. Looming closer, he was in the corner alley beside the scene. “He had too much to drink, that was obvious, but I didn’t think he would just flip out like that. He’s one of our best customers.”

It was you. Your voice was like the sweetest melody he had ever heard, even with its newfound Southern twang. He couldn’t begin to make sense of it all.

What were you doing here? How long had you been mere blocks away and he completely overlooked it?

He took in your appearance, your formerly blonde hair was now all brown and longer than he remembered. You wore a short, white satin backless dress that exposed the curve of your ass against the blue and red police lights. He watched you shift your weight on your clear pleaser heels. Throwing your hair behind your shoulder, he saw the pearl details running down your back and it connected to the skirt of your outfit.

“Thank you for your statement.” The policewoman nodded, writing the last of her notes in her notepad.

Before the woman could leave, you grabbed her wrist gently. “Is he going to be okay?” You asked. “I know Phil did something bad but he’s not normally like this. He’s a sweet guy, you know?”

“Ma’am,” The officer looked you up and down. “let me do my job and I’ll let you do yours as soon as we get things cleared here.” She gave you a nod, leaving the area to go speak with the other officers on the scene.

You felt self-conscious, crossing your arms and rolling your eyes. “Bitch.” Peter heard you mutter under your breath.

He was in shock. You’d been so close to him. All of these nights he spent alone and helpless and you’d been here, working, unaware that he even existed. He felt his lips break out into a smile. A grin felt so foreign to him lately, genuine happiness was a rarity but you had brought that spark back into his life.

Now that he found you, Peter Parker would never let you go.

★

You wanted to call off tonight so badly, but, you couldn’t afford another low night.

After the disaster at Star City last night, the owner immediately made changes to keep the girls and his patrons safe. Eddie was a cool guy, kinda sweet for a club owner when they had the reputation of being monsters. At every team meeting, he would stress that this was supposed to be a fun experience for everyone, workers and guests alike, and he took pride in maintaining a safe work environment. The club was now crawling with security guards, doubled up from the regular amount that the club had. Some were dressed in normal clothes, some in all black to blend in with the ambiance. With the slight updates, Eddie hoped they all could recover from profits lost the night prior.

“How ya doin, Mel?” Big Al asked, taking a seat on the leather stool. He was a bouncer who started working at Star City about a month before you. He takes great care of everyone. He would walk the dancers to and from their cars, stand outside their private dance rooms, and even break up a few fights that could have turned ugly. Everybody loved him and he was one of the nice parts of this job.

You shrugged, stocking the bar with ice. “Still shaken up about yesterday. I know Eddie is freaking out about recovery tonight.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He says, shaking his head. “Of course the one night I had off this week and something happened.”

You wave him off. “There’s no way you could have known Al.”

“Well just know … I’m watching this place like a hawk tonight.” He insisted, getting up from his seat. Big Al gave you a small smile, returning back to his post as the shift was set to begin.

Saturday nights at Star City were a big hit for everyone. The club was at capacity by the time the clock struck 11 pm, men and women throwing dollar bills and unfazed by the incident that occurred the night before. You still had an hour behind the bar before you were expected to hit the stage for the last few hours of your shift. Your body was tired and run down, but, you had bills due and a boss who expected his Star Girl to bring in thousands. Sometimes you wonder is this is what you were destined to do in life. Maybe an alternate version of you somewhere was a doctor or a botanist, something cooler and safer than working as a dancer in a strip club.

You liked letting your mind wander, it helped you disassociate that this is your current reality, especially now that you had no backup plan after getting kicked out of school.

Watching the bar, you noticed a man sitting down at the far right corner. Your coworker was taking care of the left end of the now full bar, so you were able to turn your attention to the new customer. He took the black hood of his jacket off, revealing the face of a man who appeared like he did not belong. He was cautious with his surroundings, surveying the area before his brown eyes landed on you.

“Hey Honeybee, how ya doin’?” You asked him, your accent still trying to register with him.

His eyes went wide. “Oh! Um, I’m good. You?” He fumbled his words, already growing red in the face.

“I’m just fine, Sugar. What are we drinkin’ tonight?”

He thought about it momentarily. “Heineken Silver is fine.”

You fluffed your big hair, leaning against the bar and giving him a large smile. He seemed so out of place in a club like this. “Can I see your ID, Darlin?”

The man reached into his pocket, fishing out his wallet before handing you the plastic. “Do I really look that young?” He asked, making you laugh.

“You look lost.” You admitted. Squinting at the font, you read his name and birth year, mouth opening in shock. “Oh, our birthdays aren’t too far off, Peter. Yours is a week before mine.”

How badly he wanted to tell you that you used to celebrate them together all the time, ever since you were kids.

Passing him his ID, you rested your hands on your hips. “I see you’re from Queens, why have I never seen you round here before?”

“Clubs just uh … aren’t really my thing.” He let out a nervous laugh, blushing in your face. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” You reached under the bar, opening up the cooler that the beer rested in. You grabbed the bottle, cracking the top open before sliding it to him. “I think you’ll have a great time here in Star City.”

A man beside Peter, one of your newer clients, bumped into his shoulder. “Especially when she steps on that stage.” The older man laughed heartily, sliding you a tip for his drink earlier.

You bid him a thank you, tucking the twenty into the pocket of your booty shorts. Adjusting the strings of your top, you pulled it down lower, revealing more of your breasts in exchange for the tip.

Just barely hovering over your nipple, Peter noticed, was the small outline of a spider tattoo. A part of him permanently stamped on you. The brunette looked between you and the man, cocking his head to the side in confusion.

“You’re a dancer too?” He asked, intrigued.

You shrugged. “I leave no money on the table, Baby.” You laughed. “They don’t call me Money Mel for nothing.”

He knew that was a stage name. That now he had to be careful not to call you by your real one and freak you out. He could not stop staring at you, how much you appeared like his Y/N, but his absence in your life had changed so much. Where did this accent come from? How did you end up in a place like this? When had you accumulated all of these tattoos? At least your confidence had lasted through the spell, but, that seemed to be the only thing he recognized of you.

Peter’s big brown eyes would not leave you. You were used to men staring at your body but the intimacy of him looking into your eyes was too much. You broke from his gaze, hearing your name being called down the bar. “I gotta bounce, Babe, but hopefully you’ll stick around for my set and like what you see?”

You disappeared down the bar, tending to other customers and clients before he could tell you goodnight. He did as you suggested and stayed for your set with his cock growing and twitching within his black jeans. You were an incredible dancer, to say the least. You captivated everyone’s attention on stage in your icy blue outfit that left little to the imagination. Money was flying through the air for you, men and women hollering and clapping as you swung around the pole. He gave you everything he had, including a tip at the bar, and even then that did not feel like enough.

You deserved the world, the world that he inadvertently took from you.

★

After one month of seeing him almost every other day, it was safe to deem Peter Parker as one of your regulars.

If you were behind the bar he would always start off with a drink. If he arrived and you were on stage, he would wedge his way to be front and center as you performed. Even when you were none the wiser, he was always there, watching after you in his Spider-Man suit as Big Al walked you and the other girls to your cars. Peter would follow you home, ensuring you were safe as you headed into your apartment, he was like your guardian angel.

His obsession with you began to teeter into titanic waters as time progressed.

As the month went on he learned more about you and your upbringing. In this newfound universe, you were born in Dallas but raised in Houston. Your father was gone, leaving you and your mother to fend for yourselves. How you ended up in New York was a mystery still, you were careful not to divulge too much information with a client.

The last time you did, you had a stalker you couldn’t shake for three months.

At the end of the day, he was a client and you told him just enough to keep yourself safe and keep him intrigued enough to continue to pay your bills.

It had been four days since you’d seen Peter last. You knew something about him felt different when you realized you were keeping track of your interactions. There had been plenty of men who tried to court you and bought you watches and rings as objects of their affection. With Peter, simple conversations with him seemed to be enough to fulfill you. He was kind and respectful, he was unlike anyone you had ever met within the club.

“Your friend coming tonight?” Monica asked in the dressing room.

You grabbed your rhinestone cowgirl hat, perching it on top of your wavy blonde wig. “Not sure, why?”

“Everybody is going to be here for Western night.” She chuckled to herself. “I don’t know, Babes, maybe he’s just bored of you. I’d be happy to take him off your hands, he’s a cute one.”

You rolled your eyes, pushing up your boobs in your cropped white tank. “Don’t fuck with me tonight, Monica. If he’d like to downgrade with you he’s more than welcome to.” You winked, leaving her with her mouth agape.

Western Night, commercially known as “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl” was one of the biggest themed events the club held. It happened once every few months and Eddie made sure to transform his club into a Western paradise for horny people. The outer parameter of the stage was lined with spurs and faux cowskin, there were specialty-themed drinks, and private dances went up two hundred dollars. Also, on one end of the club was a Mechanical bull where men could pay dancers to hop on topless, which was always a crowd attraction.

You adjusted your denim thong before turning the corner of the club. You felt your body collide with someone, tripping you up in your heels.

They grazed the small of your back, catching you and placing you upright. It was Peter, crossing your path as he was on his way to stand in the crowded restroom line. “Shit, Mel, are you okay?” He asked.

You laughed in embarrassment. “Yeah, uh, I’m fine.” Even in your rhinestone pleasers, he was still a bit taller than you, you looked up to him and narrowed your eyes. “You’re pretty strong there, Sugar.”

“Thank you.” He grinned at the comment. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately. There’s been a lot going on.” He said, looking in your eyes for any sense of forgiveness.

You glanced between him and the stage nearby. “You know, normally when a man says a lot is going on he’s either married or has a baby on the way…you wrapped up in something like that, Pete?”

“No! No. Not at all.” He answered instantly, worried that you wouldn’t want to be around him anymore. “I’m not one of those guys, I promise.”

Teetering on your heels you nodded. “Alright then. I’ll see you out there, Handsome.”

You took a few steps, mentally preparing for your performance when his hand wrapped around your wrist. Your eyes shot to your arm, watching as he let go of you quickly.

“Sorry. I just, I wanted to say you look really pretty tonight.” Peter blinked rapidly, sweat beginning to pool under his arms. “You do all the time I just haven’t gotten the chance to tell you.”

You blushed. Thankfully the red lights were enough to hide the rosy mess developing on your cheeks.

“And I brought you some flowers too, but, the bouncer wouldn’t let me bring them in.” He frowned, looking over at Big Al who was watching the interaction between you two. “And now looking back on it I understand, safety and everything. He said he’d hold onto them, so please, pick them up before your shift is over.”

The man made your stomach flutter. “Thank you, Peter, that’s very sweet of you actually. You didn’t have to do that.”

“But I wanted to.” He protested softly.

There was something behind his eyes that you could not put your finger on. Any other encounters with men made you feel slimy afterwards and craving a long, hot, shower. In the past month Peter made you genuinely laugh, smile, and look forward to his affection …not what was in his wallet which honestly, wasn’t much, but that never bothered you.

There was something weird with him. Some sort of magnetic pull that kept drawing you closer. The sincerity in his eyes helped you close the gap in your realizations that he actually meant something to you.

Peter Parker made you feel safe.

You grabbed his chin ever so slightly, pulling him closer to your face.

“What—”

You kissed his cheek, red lipstick planted just above his jaw where you felt the smallest of stubble. Peter was taken aback, flushed, and melting into you as he missed the feeling of your lips for years.

“I got something special for you tonight, Honeybee.”

Peter watched as you sauntered off with a sway in your hips. “I love you, Y/N.” He whispered to himself, holding back tears.

You grabbed your prop from the cabinet, rushing backstage to talk with the DJ before your set. You were switching your song from your usual, something Eddie would appreciate because it was sure to bring in more money. As the DJ pulled the mic to his lips you felt your nerves wash away. You’d been dancing for years but the idea of performances did shake you every once in a while.

“I’d like to welcome to the stage the finest outlaw I’ve ever seen….” The man announced over the speakers. “Get your wallets ready for our fan favorite, Money Mel!”

Leave my lipstick on the cigarette

Just toss it, and you stomp it out, out, out

Inhalin' whiskey when you kiss my neck

We've been hurtin', but it's happy hour, oh, hour

Oh, oh, oh

You pat your hips to the beat, walking seductively to the pole situated in the middle of the floor. When you met the pole, you hooked your leg around it, snatching the whip from your waist and cracking it. The crowd whistled, lights illuminating them every so often. It was enough for you to recognize Peter in the front row with your kiss still evident on his cheek.

You hoisted yourself on the pole, leg stable enough to sustain your weight as you hung upside down. As you spun around you held your hat with one hand and rolled your body to the music. The money went flying around you, so much that it nearly blocked your vision. Using your hand to stabilize you, you lowered your body from the pole.

In a quick motion you swing your leg behind you, letting go of the pole and landing into a split as the beat changed.

They couldn't have me (Ah)

And they never will

And sometimes I hold you closer

Just to know you're real (Ah)

Crawling through the money, your nipples were exposed through the tank top. Many men were vying for your attention but you were focused on only one. Mouthing the words of the song to him and only him.

Wheels in the gravel

Davis in my bones

Sometimes I take the day off (Ah)

Just to turn you on

On, on, oh

You thrust your hips against the floor. Feeling the bounce of your ass as money grazed it. Being on that stage made you feel like Peter was the only person in the world. Nothing else mattered or was important to you.

With your back kissing the ground, you rolled your hips, running your manicured hands down your body and touching yourself.

Honеy, honey

I could be your bodyguard (Hey)

Oh, honеy, honey

I could be your Kevlar (Huh)

Oh, honey, honey

I could be your lifeguard (Huh)

Ooh, honey, honey

You should let me ride shotgun, shotgun

Oh, oh, oh

You’d returned to the pole, swinging your legs around vigorously while you climbed. With only your arms and core holding you up, you incorporated your infamous walking on air trick. The men continued to throw money, even Peter too, as his initial shock turned to pleasure.

The song reminded him of the Summertime and road trips you’d take together. You’d be hanging out the side of the rental car as you two drove through the desert, wind blowing in your hair as he steered.

In the back of the club you could see Monica watching your set. She was visibly annoyed by the way her arms were crossed against her chest. Dealing with bitchy attitudes and jealous women was expected in the club scene, but, Monica was absolutely exhausting.

Be your best friend

I protect you in the mosh pit

And I'll defend you in the gossip

You know how people like to start shit and pop shit

Suddenly you landed a fan kick to drop yourself. You let go of the pole with the intention to focus on floor work. You crashed your heels together, the loud plastic *clack* keeping everyone’s attention in check.

You rolled your body upwards, back on your feet and staring directly at Monica. With two fingers mimicking a gun, you pointed them in her direction playfully.

I don't like the way she's lookin' at you

Someone better hold me back, oh-oh

Chargin' ten for a double and I'm talkin'

I'm 'bout to lose it, turn around and John Wayne that ass (One, two, three, four)

You blew the tips of your “gun”, cherry red nails glistening against the stage lights.

“Hey baby,” you heard a man say beside the stage. “I got six hundred right here. How about you come sit on Daddy’s lap?”

You gave the man a smile, waving at him slightly. As you turned your focus back to Peter, he was already watching the interaction with careful eyes. You shook your head at him, trying to tell him this was fine. This is club culture, it’s vulgar and it’s suggestive and it’s what you willingly signed up for.

“Give me a second, Daddy.” You pandered to the man.

When the man began to touch you is when the problems escalated beyond your control.

You were walking back to your pole to finish when you felt a tug at your heel. Somehow the man had side stepped security, able to get close to you with just enough reach of his arm. At the sudden jolt, you felt to your knees. He had enough time to grab your ass, trying to snatch you off the stage when he was tackled.

Peter reached the man before security ever did. He flung the man off of you, his back hitting the floor as Peter stood over him menacingly.

“What the fuck is your problem, man?” The drunk patron slurred. “Is Mel your bitch or something?”

Peter slammed his fist into the man’s nose. You sat on the stage in shock, eyes unable to look away as she sweet and harmless man you had grown to know was pummeling your harasser. “Peter stop!” You screamed, not wanting him to be harmed.

What scared you the most was how silent he was in the midst of chaos. He was too focused on his fists flying and blood coating his knuckles to say what he was really feeling. All he could think of were the amount of times he hadn’t been there for you: in your relationship, when he first became Spider-Man and hid it from you, the last few years you’d been off the grid. The thing that plagued him was wondering how many times something like this had happened to you and he was unable to protect you?

Big Al burst through the crowd, wrapping his arms around Peter’s ribs and pulling him off of the ground. “Nah, none of that shit in here. Let’s go, Buddy.” He called over his shoulder, looking to the other nearby members of the security team. “Ash, grab this other fool.”

You looked around you nervously. “No, wait!” You groaned, hurriedly rushing to your feet.

The money was the furthest thing from your mind in this moment and worst come to worst, one of the stagehands will collect it for you. As quickly as you could, you rushed to the dressing rooms in your heels. Fumbling with the lock on your locker, you managed to get it open and grab your comfortable shoes. Slipping them on, you ran to the front of the club, pushing past patrons who were in your way.

Pushing through the entrance doors you caught the middle of an argument between Peter and Big Al. The latter was unamused, standing out of the way with his arms crossed.

“Why wasn’t anyone protecting her?” Peter fumed, motioning toward the building.

The taller man sighed. “Look, kid, we do our best to avoid these situations and if anything happens then we handle it. You’re her client and that’s it.” He stated firmly. “You do not have ownership of her. You do not get to beat that guys face in and then continue your night without consequences—”

“He grabbed her and tried taking her off of the stage.” Peter laughed in anger. “What if she hit her head? What if she was seriously hurt because your guys didn’t get to her in time? I’m not sorry for what I did because he should have kept his hands to himself.”

Big Al shook his head. “Listen if you want to run around beating people up all day then go be a cop or apply here, I don’t give a shit—”

“Hey!” You butt in, walking toward the enraged men. “Go easy on him Al, he just saved me.”

The man turned to you, trying to keep distance between you and your client. “I have this handled. You can go back inside, Mel.”

“I’m not going without Peter.” You protested, raising a brow.

The older gentleman pinched the bridge of his nose. “I can’t let him back in tonight. You know I can’t do that.”

“Then I’m staying out here and speaking with Peter.” You huffed, hands perched on your hips. “Eddie will understand if I need some time to myself after that shitshow."

Big Al narrowed his eyes, looking between you and your client cautiously. "You have your stuff on you?" He asked. You held up your pink rhinestone pepper spray, swinging it from its keyring. "Alright, I'll give you some space but I'm right here."

You gave him a silent thank you. Turning to face Peter in the darkness of night. The wind chill had slightly picked up as the clock struck midnight, making you fold your arms to cover your exposed skin. You weren't even sure of what you wanted to say to him or where to begin with your feelings.

"I'm sorry." Peter muttered taking a step closer. "I don't know what happened back there."

You nodded, letting out a deep breath. "You didn't have to do that, Pete, you could have gotten hurt."

"Being Spider-Man will get you hurt, Pete."

He blinked the memory away, shaking it from his brain before it consumed him. "I'm not worried about that." He stated simply. "He shouldn't have grabbed you."

"And I agree, but, this is the lifestyle I live. Remember I told you college didn't work out for me, dancing is all that I have." You defended, inching closer to the man. "Look, you're a very sweet guy and I do enjoy our times together, but, I don't want to hurt your feelings. I crossed some boundaries with you that I never should have."

Peter's breath hitched. "What are you saying?"

"I just want to be very clear that you are just a client, Sugar." You said softly, watching the light dim from his brown eyes. "You're my favorite one, if that helps at all? I can talk to Eddie about letting you back in sometime soon if you want?"

The man nodded, looking down at you with a sense of frustration that a former lover would hold. You weren't scared for your safety, but, scared that you had broken his sweet little heart.

"Yeah, I'd like to come back." He answered.

Letting out a nervous breath you gave him a kind smile. "Consider it done." You took your cowgirl hat off of your head, planting it firmly over his brown curls. "Goodnight, Sweet Pea. Get home safely and ice those knuckles!"

You turned on your heel, craving the warmth of Star City that was a few feet away. Peter stood in shock, the scent of your perfume wafting over him as you gave him your hat. You were his only sense of home. The only thing that inspired him to keep going. Even with this bump in the road between you two, he knew he would always find a way to be in your life.

Peter just got you back, he couldn't let you go.

"Goodnight, Y/N." He called out, cringing as the name fell from his lips. He'd done so well not slipping up and his overwhelming emotions fumbled the secret he was keeping.

You stopped in your tracks. The sound of your name, your real one, sent shockwaves through you. The only person at Star City who knew your government name was Eddie, not even Big Al was privy to such secret information. There was something about hearing it from Peter that terrified you. It sounded eerily familiar—like you'd heard it before in a strange wave of deja vu.

You turned quickly, hands resting on your pepper spray. "Peter...how do you know my name?"

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icu-now · 22 days

Text

everybody say Happy Birthday LEGEND

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icu-now · 29 days

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dear lord my heart

You Deserve Each Other

steve harrington x afab!reader (32k ) Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 warnings: steve and reader are little jerks to one another; 18+ (minors dni) for later parts; swearing summary: You and Steve have been together for five years. He's seemingly the perfect boyfriend, kisses on the cheek, knowing your orders at restaurant. A great lover. Too bad you've had enough can't stand him. a/n: inspired by You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

Steve loved his car. Its leather seats. The engine. The new car smell that still lingered, but now it had mixed with the smell of your shampoo. Him and his car had gone through so many adventures together. It was home to him.

Your head rested against the window. He was driving slow and missing any bumps in the road, realizing he wasn’t doing so to keep his car in safe condition but to make sure you wouldn’t wake up. He was still an hour out from Hawkins, the afternoon sun blazed through his windows and glimmered across your skin. The shadows of sugar maple trees that lined the highway ran across your face.

As soon as the wedding was over you two had decided to go straight home, your mini vacation was over. It was back to reality, and Steve had a nervous feeling in his stomach that as soon as he pulled into the parking lot of the apartment, you would run inside and pack your bags. Neither one of you talked about when you woke up together. Steve had finally found himself under the sheets. Your backside was molded into his stomach. His hand had been wrapped around your left boob. In fact, you two hadn’t really talked at all since yesterday.

He had barely left the chapel and you couldn’t keep your eyes open any longer. He didn’t mind. You often didn’t make any sleeping sounds, but you were humming to the Billy Joel song flowing from the radio. You did that sometimes. When you were asleep but your ears were still in tune to the world, replying to conversation, singing, having no recollection you did any of that when you woke up.

The first time he caught you it had been the night of your first official date. Not when he asked you to stay at Kitty’s but when he had shown up to your house, sweat beading his forehead with a bouquet of flowers. When you opened the door, you nearly laughed in his face, thinking he looked ridiculous. He had gotten annoyed, ready to storm off, telling you, “Just forget it.”

You stopped him. “Did you come here to ask me out, Harrington?” Your brow was raised, a smirk plastered on your face. At first, he thought he should have just told you, no. But since his time with you at Kitty’s he couldn’t help that stomach flipping feeling.

He had taken you on a real date the next day. Thirty minutes outside Hawkins there was a drive-in theater. Thirty minutes into the movie, which Steve was too nervous to pay attention to, you had fallen asleep. It wasn’t until he looked over at you for the first time that night, and you looked exactly the same as you did right now. Except you were younger, your hair was shorter, and the screen casted a blue tone to your skin. You were mumbling under your breath, replying to the characters talking on the screen.

It was like he wanted to bottle that moment up and keep it in his back pocket forever. He wanted you to be everywhere he went. He had spent years talking to you about what ifs, and that day he no longer wanted it to be that way. He wanted you. He nudged you, smiling when you rubbed your eyes, looking around visibly confused. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

He chuckled, shrugging. “It’s okay. Really. It was cute.” You matched his smile, giving you a hint that maybe you wanted to push the what-if boundary too. He grabbed your hand gently, like it was the most precious thing in the world to him. “I like you.”

You looked away bashfully from him. “Like in a, you want to go out with me again kind of way?”

Like in a he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you kind of way. “Yes.”

You took a moment to take him in. You placed your hand on his cheek, thumb brushing over his freckle. His eyes fell to your lips, looking up to see that you were doing the same. There was that “what-if” question again. And that time you answered it, gently pushing your mouth on his.

Steve ran his hand over the steering wheel. She— his car— was where the birth of new beginnings happened. His sudden memory made him forget about the present, he had accidentally hit a hole in the road.

You made a small grunt, opening your eyes slowly, stretching your arms as best you could in the limited space. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” He told you, glancing to make sure you were okay.

You squinted, your eyes still adjusting. “It’s okay. How far are we from home?”

That last word made his heart skip a beat. “Uh, I think another forty-five minutes.”

You frowned, patting your belly. “I’m so hungry. Do we still have any granola bars left?”

He gave you a guilty look. He had hid the wrapper of the last granola bar in his pocket. “I was hoping you’d stay asleep until we got… home.” The word was like a stranger on his tongue.

You frowned and sighed, laying your head against the window once again. Steve felt bad. He hadn’t thought about eating before they left Porter.

A lightbulb went over his head when he saw the sign for a gas station about five miles away. When he turned you shot him a look.

“I thought you filled up the tank before we left.”

Steve smiled cheekily, putting his car in park. “I did.”

“Why are we stopping?” You almost looked afraid. He wondered if you thought he was about to leave you stranded or murder you.

“Why? To get you some food, sweetheart.” He poked your cheek.

“I can wait the forty-five minutes. This place looks scary.” You checked to make sure the doors were locked.

“You’ve fought a demogorgon effortlessly but you’re scared of a gas station in the middle of nowhere?” He was only teasing you. You elbowed him in the shoulder lightly. “Come on. I’ll protect you.” He jumped out of the car, and waved for you to follow. You eventually did. Reluctantly. “Get anything you want, princess. Daddy has it covered.” You looked at him like he had uttered the most vile and abominable statement in your life.

You walked around the mini aisles, clearly not appeased by the contents of the shelf. Steve walked up behind you, leaning into you, his mouth brushing your ear, smiling at the shiver you let lout. “Let’s play a game.”

“I knew it. You’re trying to murder me.” You snapped around, looking to see the nearest escape route.

“Relax. You remember one of our first dates when we went into the corner store on main?” He asked you.

“Yeah.”

“Remember what we did?”

He watched you as you thought for a second. He grinned when your face pinched in disgust. “I'd rather you kill me.”

He wasn’t listening, already searching, like he was on a private mission. “You grab the ICEEs.”

He was able to catch the mumbled profanities as you gave in, walking towards the ICEE machines. You had joined him at the register, pouting when you saw all the items on the counter. The cashier must have seen weirder or didn’t care because she looked more than bored ringing the items.

Once outside, Steve hopped on the trunk of his car, patting the empty space next to him. He already started to assemble the creation, listening to the occasional gagging sound from you.

“Ta-da!” He revealed a twinkie with a beef jerky stick stuck through the middle. The creamed filling oozed out.

You grimaced. “Do I have to?”

Steve frowned. “C’mon it wasn’t that bad.”

You slouched, snatching the twinkie from his hand and waited while he made one for himself. When he was finished, you handed him his ICEE. His favorite, Coca-Cola. “Cheers!” He proclaimed, tapping his cup with yours. You both took a sip so hard that made his eyes water. He noticed that you were concentrating hard, eyes closed shut as you slurped the ICEE.

You had finished yours a few seconds before him, moving onto the beef jerky twinkie. You hesitated before shoving the entire thing in your mouth. You shook your head in disgust, but still persevered with the atrocious flavors he knew you were experiencing.

Steve had barely swallowed the last of his own, when you had jumped off his car, hands up, tongue sticking out. “I won!”

“Damn it!” Steve tried his best to be mad. However, he was amused as you paraded around triumphantly. “Whatever.”

You laughed, approaching him. “Don’t be upset that I beat you at your own game, Stevie.” Steve narrowed his eyes suspiciously, grabbing your face as you spoke so he could see inside your mouth. “What—”

He cut you off, grabbing your empty cup. Your wild eyes already told him what he needed to know, but he still sniffed it. “This wasn’t even an ICEE.”

“Y-yes it is.” You stumbled, trying to hold back the laughter. Instead, you let out a loud belch. The final evidence he needed to erase your innocence. You backed up slowly when he slid off the car. Your hands were held up defensively.

“You dirty little cheat.” He tsked. “What am I gonna do with you?”

“Steve, let’s just talk like rational adults, now.”

“A little too late for that, sweetheart.” You tried to run but he was faster, grabbing you, tossing you over his shoulder. His hand was cupped on your thigh, right below your ass.

“Steve!” You laughed, hitting his back playfully.

He started to spin you around, rocks crunching under his sneakers. The sun illuminated over the scene, like a spotlight. Like you two were the only people in the world and it only belonged to you both.

***

You were disappointed when Steve passed the “Welcome to Hawkins” sign. It was a slap in the face back to reality. You wanted to grab his wheel and turn it back around. You wanted to beg him to start somewhere new. Maybe somewhere like Florida. You had never been to the beach before.

Your entire arm was lazily under his, your hand dangerously close to his thigh. But that’s as far as you would let it get. He had asked you to choose the music for the rest of the drive. And you had coincidentally chosen the mixtape he had made for your first anniversary.

The sun had started to set, the clouds a palette of pastels. Steve put on his signal to go right to turn on the road that led him to the apartment. “Can you keep going?” You asked him. He didn’t argue. He did as you asked, pressing the gas pedal to keep going straight. “Turn here.” He did. You wondered if he recognized that it was the way to the school. “Okay, can you stop right by that street lamp?”

He slowly came to a stop, putting the car in park. He tried asking why you wanted him to stop there, but you were already looking adoringly out your window.

It was a house. A small brick house. The grass was trimmed perfectly, a big oak tree stood tall in the middle. There was a paved driveway big enough to perfectly fit two cars. There was even a porch that was big enough to put chairs outside if you wanted to bask in the morning sun. A for sale sign was staked into the yard. You turned to Steve, eyes shining brightly. “I drive by this house everyday after work. Sometimes I stop and just imagine.” But only imagine, you thought to yourself. You bit your lip, looking at your fingers. “I know it’s stupid.”

Steve grabbed your hand. “It’s not stupid.”

“But it isn’t what you want.” You finally let him see you. Both of you wanted the same thing, but were on different paths to get there. Finally, it was like you both realized neither of you had to stay on those paths because you could meet in between. And it was beautiful.

Steve offered an assuring smile. “What I want is for you to be happy.” It was like he wanted to say more but he stopped himself. “I could live in our tiny apartment the rest of our lives but as long as you’re happy. Are you happy?”

“I love our apartment. I love that you have to slam the bathroom door to shut all the way. I love that there’s a permanent coffee stain on the counter from your mug. I love that it’s the first thing I got to share with you.” I love you. You wanted to scream it: I love you. I love you. I love you!

He grabbed your face, palms splayed across your cheeks. His eyes were soft, like a pool of dark whiskey that you wanted to get drunk on. “But are you happy?”

If he asked you that question a month ago you would have easily shouted, no, you were far from happy. And when you had suggested moving back in with your parents, you were convinced he was unhappy too. But you thought about how the last few weeks, the tiny changes you both had made had outshined the drawbacks in your relationship. It was like a scissor cutting the rope that held both of you back. It was like a mirage, tricking you into thinking the two of you were in ruins, the point of no return. “Steve, I don’t think I’ve ever known what that word meant if you weren’t in my life.”

Steve choked on a small sob, smiling. You thought he was leaning in to kiss you until he closed his eyes, bit his lip, and let you go. He was right next to you but you already missed him so much. “I… I need to show you something.”

The apartment was only a seven minute drive, but it might as well have been the two hour drive from Porter. He hadn’t said anything since he turned around to drive back home. He was doing the thing when he got nervous, chewing on his thumb. He almost looked guilty. Now, it was making you nervous, wringing your hands. He was agonizingly slow getting the bags out of the car. You almost told him to forget it, you two could get them later.

He trudged into the apartment, taking his time to walk into the bedroom, finally placing the bags down. He looked over his shoulder at you, taking a deep breath, retreating into the small closet. He came back with a brown briefcase. It was familiar, you had seen him carry it to work occasionally. To be honest, you thought it was all for show. That maybe he carried it when he knew his dad would drop by and Steve wanted to present himself as professional.

He plopped it on the bed dramatically, hands on his hips. “I haven’t been entirely honest with you.” He rubbed his neck, another given that he was really nervous. “You are always wondering where I am on those late nights with Eddie…” He trailed off, avoiding eye contact with you.

Your eyes widened, hands on top of your head. “Oh my god. No! I thought Eddie was done with all of that nonsense. And now he dragged you into it?”

Steve was taken aback. He looked hurt. “I wouldn’t call it nonsense… it’s actually kind of fun. Dustin had begged me for months to try it–”

“Dustin? Jesus. Eddie had a kid involved?” You shook your head, looking up at the ceiling. “I can’t believe I’ve been dating a drug dealer. Right under my nose.”

Steve paused, processing your mini-outburst. “Wait… you thought I was talking about… drugs?” He laughed at the last word.

Now you were the one who was confused. “You… weren’t?” Another panicked thought crossed your mind. “If it’s porn–”

“It’s not–” He pulled in an expansive breath, opening his mouth to say something. It sounded like he had muttered “fuck it” under his breath. He began to unclasp the suitcase. You shut your eyes tightly, the anticipation was overwhelming. You felt him nudge you, telling you it was safe to open. You did, but almost as slow as when he drove here. You peered in the suitcase, your worry evaporating.

Inside was a Dungeons and Dragons beginners manual, a leather journal (you had gotten it for him one year for Christmas), and a green dice. You turned to him quickly. He had a sheepish expression on his face. “Would be cooler if it was drugs, right?” He joked.

You could feel your eyes brighten, leaning closer. “You play D&D?”

Steve was prone to feeling self-conscious, ever since high school, always worrying about how others perceived him. He always made the same face, crestfallen and insecure. He looked away from you. “Go ahead, just laugh.”

“Are you kidding me? Why would I laugh?” You grabbed the case of dice, the light in the room reflected against the green plastic.

“I dunno. Because it’s lame.” His voice dropped. “Thought you’d think it was stupid.”

“Stupid?” You thought he had to be joking. Your voice was soft, placing your hand on his arm. “If it’s something you enjoy. It’s far from stupid.Is that your character sheet?” You grabbed a sheet covered in Steve’s handwriting. “What’s a bard?”

Steve paused, taking in your reaction. You could feel him watching you in bewilderment as you further examined the items in the case. Steve cleared his throat, moving closer, your shoulder hitting his chest. You wondered if he could hear how your heartbeat thumped, or how the hairs on your neck rose, tingling. It felt incredibly warm being so close to him and it was comforting. “Uh… it’s kind of hard to explain. Think of it as a master poet who, when they perform their art, can cast magical spells.”

“Steve Harrington a poet?”

You felt his hand ghost at the small of your back. You shifted, leaning into him, allowing his fingers to brush under your shirt, bolts of electricity shocked your skin. “More like Leif is the poet.”

“Leif?” You looked at his character sheet and saw the name scribbled at the top. You giggled.

Steve rolled his eyes, grabbing the sheet from your hand, placing it back in the case. “Okay, that’s enough of that.”

“Steve.” You whined, grabbing his shoulder. “I’m not making fun of you. Do you know how relieved I am that this is what you’ve been hiding from me all this time?”

“Yeah?”

You nodded, biting your lip. “Yeah. I thought maybe, I dunno, those hot moms who come by the shop got their grip on you or something. I can sleep peacefully at night knowing you really go play a fantasy game, reciting the poems you write.”

Steve cackled. “I told you, Leif is the one who writes them.” He paused, giving you an endearing look. “But I guess I can’t deny that he has a muse.”

Your face heated, you looked away bashfully. “I just wish you had told me about it. I wouldn’t have cared.”

Steve broke away, sitting at the edge of the bed. “I guess we’ve both been afraid of showing ourselves, huh? Like I dunno, maybe we were scared because we both aren’t the same kids from five years ago. Hell, we’re not even the same people we were a month ago. Guess we were both scared of letting one another learn the new stuff… in fear that we wouldn’t like each other now.”

Your feet were the ones who took initiative to walk over to him, closing the gap. His legs were parted and you squeezed perfectly between them. It was like second nature to put your hands on his shoulders. You smiled. “I have another confession.” His expression told you to go ahead. You giggled, brushing a strand of his hair back. “I fucking hate those curtains I bought.”

You looked over at the monotonous curtains that you dreaded looking at every single time you woke up or walked into the bedroom.

Steve scrunched up his face before breaking, his hand snaked around you, pulling you into his lap. You let out a squeal when his fingers dug into your side. Your noses nudged against one another. “Unbelievable. I’ve hated those curtains since you nearly broke up with me.” His words prickled your lips like a painter softly brushing over them.

You poked him softly in the shoulder. “I told you they weren’t the reason.”

He hummed, not believing you. He spread his hand against the side of your face. His eyes drooped, sincere, but serious. “Do you still want to break up with me?”

You wished it was appropriate to laugh. If you still wanted to break up with him, you would not be in his lap. You would not be running your hand through his hair. Your lips would not be brushing his own. “No,” you whispered. He took the word from your mouth, making it disappear when his lips fell onto yours. It was saccharine, tender, and heavenly. His touch exuded love, patience, and security. You felt like a flower blossoming, tall, in a field of sweet chamomile.

Steve broke first, catching his breath. He kissed your nose, clinging tighter as if he thought you were going to change your mind and run away. He looked over at his briefcase of DnD contraband. “So you don’t think I’m a total nerd, then?”

You smirked. “No, you’re definitely a nerd. But you make it look sexy.”

He tilted his head back, this time his hand not shying from slipping under your shirt. “Do I?”

You bit your bottom lip. “Yeah, why do you think I beg you to wear your glasses?” You gave him a fake pout. “Too bad you lost them.”

He went in for another kiss. “Yeah, too bad.” Another kiss. “How will you manage to survive not having your sick fantasies about me when I wear them?”

You changed your position, both legs wrapped around his waist. “That’s presumptuous.”

He kissed you a little harder, ending the conversation that was sure to come up again. He pulled you in closer, both of you gasping when you grinded over the hardness in his jeans. This time you didn’t tease him, bucking your hip again, drinking each other’s moan.

Your fingers started to play with his buckle when the phone started to ring. “Should get that,” you mumbled.

Steve’s lips were preoccupied with your neck to give an answer.

“Steve…”

He broke away, lips swollen. “Let it ring. If it’s important they’ll call back.”

That was enough convincing for you, your lips fell back into a synchronized rhythm, drowning out the phone. Steve stood up, holding you, laying you back on the bed. He went to grab the collar of his shirt. The phone started to ring again.

“Looks like it’s important.” You told him as he ran his hands over his face in frustration. You propped up on your elbows, watching him storm into the hallway to answer it.

You heard him greet the caller rather rudely, but after a response on the other end, it turned into a respectful tone. You sighed, climbing off the bed, joining him in the hallway, leaning against the wall. He gave you an exasperated look, shaking his head. “Can this not wait until the morning?” You could hear the familiar vexed sound of his mother’s voice on the other line. You sighed, coming to terms that whatever was about to happen would have to be placed on hold.

Steve hung up the phone, apologies already spewing from his mouth. You stopped him. “What’s going on?”

His hand ran through his messy hair. “Mom’s car isn’t starting and she needs me to look at it tonight. I shouldn’t be long. I can bring back food from Kitty’s on my way home.”

“No.” You crossed your arms. Before he could argue, you continued. “I’m coming with you.” You turned around to go change into more comfortable clothes. You had helped him at the shop once or twice before. Albeit, you were the designated flashlight holder, but you were definitely not getting any type of car fluid on your nice shirt.

Steve followed you. “Sweetheart, I don’t want you to feel like you have to come. I really can call back and tell her I can’t come until the morning.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’d have to wake up early enough to fix it so I can get to work on time. It’s more practical to do it tonight.” You felt him watch as you slipped on a shirt that had bleach stains on it. You turned around, eyeing him up and down. “We’re a team, aren’t we?”

There was a beat, half of his face turned upward. “Yeah.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Get dressed.” You walked out of the room.

It was an hour later and you wondered if you and Steve were still playing the game where you were trying to get under the skin of the other. He had managed to magically find his lost glasses. But not only that, he had put on a t-shirt, the sleeves so short, barely there, showing off his biceps. You almost scoffed in disbelief, thinking how it was cold enough for it to snow.

He leaned over in the hood of his mother’s car, and although you were on flashlight duty, your eyes wandered to his ass sticking up. You jumped when you felt his hand wrap around your wrist, pulling it down so the light was shining on a part you didn’t know the name of. “Stop getting distracted.” You could feel the smirk even if you couldn’t see his face.

“Can’t help it that you have a cute butt.”

“I didn’t realize you were staring at my ass. I assumed you were thinking about those sicko fantasies.” He stood up, licking his lips, pushing the bridge of his glasses up his nose, knowing exactly what he was doing.

You failed as you tried to look annoyed. “You’re a dick.”

He gave you a smug look before going back to work on the car. You couldn’t help smacking his bottom. He jumped, head hitting the hood. “Jesus, you know my mom is watching us through the window, right?” You glanced over to Martha’s beady eyes peeking through the blinds. You gave her a tiny wave. Steve laughed, turning you around. “Did you only come here to mess with my mom?”

“No, I came because I wanted to. But messing with your mom is a perk to the job.” You got on your tip-toes watching him twist something. “What’s wrong with it anyway, do you know?”

“I fixed it about thirty minutes ago when I topped off the coolant.” You came to the realization that this entire time he had been messing with random parts.

The scoff you let out made him chuckle. “I’ve been freezing my tits off out here for half an hour for nothing?” You shined the flashlight in his face. “Why?”

He squinted against the light, standing back up to escape it. “You’re not the only one who likes messing with my mom, sweetheart.” His grin was smug. Silver shadows of the moon casted a mischievous glow on his face. “She’s probably running my dad’s ear off right now on how I’ve been working on it far too long. That it’s serious and she might have to get a new car.” He wiped his hand on a rag, throwing it inside his emergency tool box that he kept in the trunk of his car. He closed the hood, and as soon as he did his mother walked outside in a designer fur coat, shivering as if she had been the one standing out there for an hour. “Is everything okay? Is it fixed? Do I need to get a new one?”

Steve glanced at you, brows raised, telling you I told you so. You snorted as he convinced her everything was okay, even starting the car with ease. She grabbed his face like he was ten-years-old, peppering his cheeks with kisses, telling him she didn’t know what she’d do without him.

You watched them, smiling when Steve looked at you, his eyes pleading for help. He wasn’t used to affection from his mother. It made you wonder if she regretted not being around, leaving him behind in the empty big house, trying to fill the emptiness with bodies that he didn’t really know. But now he had someone that he did know. And more importantly, who knew him back.

***

Steve was surprised when you had been the one to accept his mom’s offer to stay for hot chocolate. His mother walked into the sitting room, holding two mugs. She handed a mug to Steve first. Steam clouded the air, a mountain of whipped cream towered above the top. It was created more delicately than the other mug that was surely meant for you. Steve took the initiative, handing the hot chocolate in his hand to you and then grabbing the second one for himself. You scooted closer, leaning into him and suddenly he didn’t need the hot chocolate to feel warm.

He mentally laughed at how the scene was drastically different. His mother was sitting on the couch, his father on the other end, reading a book. They were miles apart and he didn’t mean just physically. Whereas he sat so close to you, he could smell your perfume– which you had changed and it smelled like tangerines.

“How was the wedding?” His mom broke the silence.

You wiped a dollop of whipped cream off your nose. “It was beautiful.” The light in your eye made a tiny smile form on his lips.

Martha clicked her tongue. “Me and Conrad are just so hurt we weren’t invited. I mean we all went to school together. Don’t you agree, Connie?”

Conrad looked up from his book, clearly not listening. “Right.”

Steve’s mom paid no mind. “Let’s hope that’s not the case for your wedding.” He swore he heard under his mother’s breath, “If there will ever be a wedding.”

Steve felt you sit up, the ammo on your tongue ready to fire. He grabbed your hand, beating you to it. “We actually eloped.”

You made a sound but his mother’s was louder. She clutched her chest, claiming she couldn’t breathe. His father, annoyed that everyone was disturbing his peace, told Martha to take deep breaths. Steve laughed, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. He gave everyone a look of innocence, throwing his arm over your shoulder, offering a wink that only belonged to you. “Joking!” He held a hand up defensively.

His mother threw her head back, “Oh, bless it. Thank you Jesus.” She turned to her husband. “I was sure I saw the image of Aunt Linda at the pearly gates waving at me.” She put the back of her hand against her forehead, wiping away imaginary sweat.

There was an awkward laugh that came out of you, shifting uncomfortably. “Why should it matter if we had eloped?”

“Because I don’t want my son to make the biggest mistake of his life.”

Steve felt your body crumble, hearing the pieces of your heart shatter against your ribcage. “Right.” You set the mug on the table, the clink against the table was ear-deafening. You pushed a tight-lipped smile to your face. “I guess we know the truth now. That Steve would be making the biggest mistake if he married me.”

“Oh please. That’s not what I meant.” Martha rolled her eyes. “Steve, will you tell her how ridiculous she sounds?”

Steve wondered how many times you had to hold the pieces of your own heart, putting it back together yourself. “No.” Everyone’s eyes snapped to him, staring but he was only looking at you. He gave you a nod, saying I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m here now. We’re a team. “You’re not allowed to speak to her like that.”

“I didn’t—” his mother began.

He narrowed his eyes, locking them with his mother’s. They were big and brown, just like his. “You can speak to me however you want. You can tell me how much I’ve disappointed you as a son. You can even disown me. But I never, and I mean ever, want to hear her name in your mouth like that again. She doesn’t have to prove shit to either of you.” Steve rose from his seat, taking your hand, helping you off the couch. You looked so beautiful, even with your mouth agape, eyes wide in shock. “Tell her you’re sorry.”

“Steve…” It was the look she gave him before. The look that said, let’s talk about this in private. Those talks always consisted of how you needed to learn your manners. When she realized her son wouldn’t budge, tightening his grasp on your hand, knuckles turning white. She let out a heavy sigh, lips pursed. “I regret my choice of words.”

Steve stormed out of the house, your hand still in his as he dragged you along. You kept calling his name, but his ears were red, on fire, steaming. His jaw clenched.

“Steve—”

He cut you off, pivoting, crashing his lips on yours. It was an apology. Five years he stood by and let his mother berate you. Five years he pretended not to hear your sniffled cries in the car ride back. Five years he had been a coward, afraid of losing his family if he ever said anything. But in the midst he had almost lost something more important than anything he had cherished— you. He almost lost his home.

Steve pulled away, already missing you. He ran his thumb over your mouth, his fingers splayed over your cheek. “You know I love you, right?” And it hurt him that the word took you aback. Had he not said it enough to you? Did you still not love him anymore? “I don’t love you because it’s a habit. I love you because I want to love you. My body aches when you’re not there. And I’m sorry if I led you to believe that all this time, I didn’t.”

You grabbed his hand from your face, placing a soft kiss on his knuckles. It was still bruised from the man he had hit in the bar. “I know, Steve.” You laid another tender kiss on his lips. “Let’s go home.”

The air in the apartment was different. It no longer felt small or dingy. The pipes moaning sounded more like singing. Their neighbors arguing sounded more like laughing, and Steve wondered if the reason behind the changes were because he was actually listening to the world like how he was supposed to.

Steve told you he was going to take a shower, a part of him wanted you to join. You didn’t. In fact, you had stayed in the same spot, in your chair in the living room. He had come out, now in his pajamas, and hair damp. He had instinctively put back on his glasses, ready to tease you. He had hid them in his nightstand for weeks, banishing them to hell. But finally he noticed that adorable glimmer in your eyes that made him think, glasses weren’t all that bad.

His face fell when he noticed that you were crying. It wasn’t a sob, nor were you loud, but he could recognize those sniffles from a mile away to know you were trying not to cause a scene. He crouched down in front of you. He didn’t ask what was wrong. He didn’t say anything. He grabbed your hand, letting you cry a little harder. You looked at him sadly. “I wish you saw yourself the way that I do.”

His brows furrowed. He was lost.

“You’ve been fighting for me every day for five years and I neglected to see it.”

“It’s okay.”

“No. No it’s not.” You shook your head. “Steve, you punched a guy because of me.”

“Yeah, but you assaulted a police officer because of me.” He offered you a half-hearted, assuring smile.

You scoffed, rolling your eyes, pushing his shoulder. “It was only a tiny push, he barely moved!”

You both broke into a fit of laughter. You held your sides, and Steve marveled the angelic sound of sweet vibrato coming from you. It took about a minute for you to ground yourself, giving him another serious look. “Steve?”

He replied with your name the same way.

Another breathy laugh fell from your lips. “On Friday, you said you missed me.” You bit your lip, clearly nervous. “What did you mean by that?”

The corners of his lips lifted. “For starters, I missed this.” He motioned between you two. “I missed when you wanted to tell me everything. Bad or good. I missed when you woke me up in the morning by just kissing my shoulder.” He grabbed your arm. His voice dropped, low, whispering. “I miss you here.” He kissed your wrist. “And here.” He kissed your knuckles. He raised up. His fingers pushed up the sleeve of your shirt. He kissed your forearm and shoulder. His lips brushed your ear. “I missed you so much I couldn’t breathe.”

He felt you shiver, your chest raising up and down slowly. Your noses hit against one another as you turned your head to look at him. His eyes were a pool of intensity, silently begging you. “Will you show me?”

He kissed your nose. “Show you what?”

“Show me how much you missed me?” You weren’t very loud. But the words echoed off the walls and he believed his heartbeat was so loud the neighbors could hear.

He tilted his head, lips ghosting yours. “Why should I?” He was teasing you, pulling away when you tried to hook your fingers in the band of his sweatpants.

He was kissing you before you had let the words out. “Because I need you.”

It was open-mouthed and hungry. It was like another one of your arguments, fiery and fighting for the last word. It was the push and pull of lips, clutching onto the soft cotton of your shirts. Steve only broke away to safely set his glasses on the coffee table, returning to you quickly, unable to handle one millisecond away from you.

He stood, hilting you up, legs wrapped around his waist. His hands on your ass, holding it tight, holding you tight. He carried you to the bedroom, careful, not wanting to hurt you, like he was carrying a priceless jewel. The briefcase on the bed now exiled to the floor.

He laid you against the gentle river of bedsheets, you were illuminated by his pool of desperation. Each article of clothing was torn off slowly, like it was a big red bow on top, nimble and careful. Steve lifted your legs, placing them on his shoulder. He slipped your underwear down your legs, discarding them to the side.

He adored you. No– he worshiped you. He used his mouth to say a prayer against the skin of your legs, his tongue praising a god as he savored you. His tongue lapped, devouring the sweet, thick, honeyed sounds pouring from you. Her fingers tangled his hair, and like a skilled harp player, knowing exactly what made him whimper.

You broke, thighs tightening around his face. Heavy pants as he set your legs on the bed, crawling on top of you. His elbows on either side of your head. Your teeth clinked against one another in a fierce kiss because you had laughed. Your hand palmed him through his boxers, kissing the map of freckles on his jaw, and he really wasn’t sure what your final destination was supposed to be.

And as he sank southwards, you drowned together in the mattress with every wave. Intertwining the rhythm of your moans and his choked back groans. He wasn’t sure what was louder, your heartbeats or the sound of skin connecting in sticky slaps that was just pure filth. “Steve…” You begged him, head thrown back, allowing him access to attack your neck. “Steve,” you mewled.

He felt like he was about to unfold, and he knew you were too. “Tell me…” He gasped as you met him in a nerve-ending thrust. “Tell me you love me?” His words were soft, but heavy. “Please.”

You opened your eyes, trying not to come undone just yet. Your fingernails gripped his back, crescents forming. “I love you.” A vehement whine followed. “Of course I love you.”

You both unraveled together, your name fell from his lips, like amaryllis, blossoming, filling the room. There were no words that needed to be uttered when he climbed off you, but also that was due to the fact he was still lazily placing pecks on your body. It was bare legs tangled together, bodies flushed against one another, Steve rubbing circles on your back.

He wasn’t sure when he had fallen asleep. It only felt like he had blinked when he was awakened by a kiss on his shoulder.

The rest of the weekend went by in a blur. Sunday had been spent at home. Most of the time you were cuddled together on the couch, watching trashy television. It was just talking, consisting of unimportant things. It was silly touches, toothy smiles, and eyes glimmering. It was love.

And that’s why on Monday, Steve didn’t want to part from you. You woke up together, ate breakfast together, and left the house together. Steve put on his blinker as a wave goodbye when you had turned on the street to go to the school.

He greeted everyone at the shop, ignoring the suspicious looks as he bounced to his office. Eddie was smoking a cigarette, leaned back, feet up on Steve’s desk. He eyed his friend up and down as Steve pranced in, humming a wordless tune. “Eddie, isn’t today just beautiful?”

Eddie quirked a brow, bemused. “Sure, yeah.”

And in a blink of an eye, Steve was pouting, shoulders drooping to the floor. His hand on his chest, sighing deeply. He looked like a puppy who had been shot. “What time is it?”

“Eight fifteen.” Eddie put the rest of his cigarette out, the sound of his boots plopping to the floor as he jumped up. “You okay, man?”

Steve smiled. “Never better, why?”

Eddie was experiencing whiplash from the quick sharp turns of emotions. “I dunno, you come in practically skipping and then the next you look…” He waved his hand in the air. “Gloomy.”

Steve exhaled another deep puff of air, dramatically looking at the window. “It’s hard to appreciate the beautiful day when I miss her.”

Eddie looked around the room, tilting his head to the side, his hair falling in the motion. “Holy shit.” His grin was big and all teeth. “Guessing you had a fun weekend?”

Steve smiled, patting his friend on the shoulder. “A gentleman never kisses and tells.”

“I should have charged you for couples therapy.” Eddie put on his vest.

Steve found himself at his desk, ready to get to work, although his mind was too preoccupied thinking about you. “Yeah man, think you really missed your true calling.”

“New business idea. H&M Counseling.” Eddie joked.

Steve scoffed. “Yeah, I think my dad would be ecstatic to hear his son started a business where feelings are involved.”

“Speaking of your dad. Did you forget to give him the finance books from last month?”

Steve was already nose deep in a catalog for car parts. “No, I gave it to him on the first like always.”

Eddie hummed in acknowledgment. “Then why is he here?”

“I don’t know.” What Eddie had said didn’t register until a minute had gone by. Steve’s eyes widened, his head shot up when the door to the office opened. Conrad Harrington stood clean and proper, like a sore thumb, in the doorway. Steve’s mouth fell.

Conrad looked at Eddie, giving him a smile that he didn’t actually mean. “Munson.”

“Mr. Harrington! Pleasure to see you.” He held out his hand. Steve’s dad looked at Eddie’s hand, then back up to his eyes. Eddie quickly retracted the offer, awkwardly rubbing his neck with it. “Right, uh, I gotta go… cars.” Eddie hurried out of the office, sending Steve a look that said ‘good luck’.

When the door shut with a click, Steve quickly stood up. “Oh… uh… do you want to sit down?” He motioned for the chair in front of his desk that Eddie had had claimed as his long ago. It was worn and Steve was sure a screw was loose on one of the wheels.

He cleared his throat, hands in his pockets. “This won’t take long.”

Steve was worried. “Was something wrong with the books?”

His father licked his lips. “No, the books were fine.”

Steve was puzzled. “Were numbers low?”

“I’m not here to talk about business. I came here as a father to talk to his son.”

Steve felt the sweat at the back of his neck, the collar of his shirt felt a little tight. His father had come here to yell at him for what he had said Saturday night. He stood a bit straighter, preparing himself for what was to come.

“What you said the other night–”

“I’m not apologizing–”

Conrad held his hand up, stopping Steve from continuing. “I’m not here about that. I mean, I am. But not what you think.”

Steve’s defensive attitude dropped, but still keeping a sliver of his guard up, still wary of what this conversation was meant to come.

“What you said the other night made me realize something about myself.” His dad blew out a breath of air. “I failed you.” Steve felt like he hadn’t heard him correct, pinching himself to ensure he was still real. He chuckled to himself. “And I guess as you know, it’s hard for a Harrington to admit that.” It was true, you were a disgrace to the Harrington bloodline if you were a failure. “I spent my time as a father trying to prevent you from being a failure, out of my own pride, and in the midst I was the one who failed.”

Steve had never had a real talk with his father like the one he was having at that moment. Vulnerable and transparent. Conrad looked around the room. “If you were a disappointment, I wouldn’t have trusted you to start this place.”

“I...” It was all Steve could make out.

“I’m still not finished.” The face he made was unfamiliar to Steve. But he swore it looked, kind? “I wasn’t sure if you were thinking straight in your relationship. But what you said made me think… nevermind. I came here to give you this.” Conrad took his hand out of his pocket, placing a black velvet box on Steve’s desk.

Steve felt the air leave his body. “Is that?”

“For your mother’s sake– don’t elope.” His father smiled. And not one of his usual condescending smiles but a genuine smile. Before there could be any tears shed or hugs, he walked away, stopping at the window. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it son?”

And Steve breathed in the moment. “Yeah, dad, it is.”

***

You didn’t want to get out of bed. You clung to Steve as he tried to get up, burrowing your entire body against his. “I have to go to work, sweetheart.” He sounded sweet like honey. “And you do too.”

“I don’t want to go.” You raised your head, letting him see that you were serious. You had gone to work all last week and it was almost unbearable.

Steve laughed as you crawled on top of him so he wouldn’t get out of bed. His hands laid on your hips, fingers toys with the hem of your shorts. “Why do you not want to go to work?”

You tucked your head. “I’ll miss you too much.”

His face went soft like a puddle of water, wrapping his arms around your body, pulling you down to his bare chest in a hug. His hand rubbed your back. “It’s only eight hours. When you think about it, it goes by fast.”

“Eight hours turns into an eternity when you miss somebody.” He couldn’t see you pout, but the chuckle he let out told you he felt it. He lifted your head with his finger, smiling, giving you a gentle kiss.

“I really have to go to work today.” He didn’t budge.

You sat up, dramatically clutching your stomach, then hands on your cheeks. “Is it hot in here? I think I’m coming down with something.” You grabbed his hand, placing it on your forehead.

His face was serious. “You do feel warm.”

“See, I shouldn’t go into work today. And you shouldn’t either. It could be contagious.”

“You’re right. I know exactly what the matter is.” Steve pulled himself up, you were now sitting in his lap. An unrecognizable gleam flashed across his chestnut eyes.

“You do?” You asked him.

He hummed, shaking his head, sucking in his teeth. It was like he was a doctor breaking news to a terminally ill patient. “I’m afraid I’ve been sick with it for five years. It was only a matter of time before you caught it.” He then broke out into a toothy grin. “You’re lovesick.”

You had decided to spend the day home, convincing Steve to call the school for you, claiming you had food poisoning. But you were disappointed when Steve got dressed for work right after. You followed him around, like a lost puppy, as he collected his belongings.“You have your lunch?” You asked him.

“Right here.” He lifted the bag that you had packed him.

“Should you take another jacket? I think it’s going to get colder later in the day.” He was amused as you handed him another jacket, taking it with no argument. There was a moment that you just stopped and looked at one another. “Are you sure you have to go to work?”

He kissed your cheek, resting his forehead on yours. “How about this? You can call the shop whenever you miss me most.” Once you agreed to the compromise, he was gone before you came up with any ideas. It wasn’t like you were planning on stealing his keys and locking them inside the car.

You sat in your chair, leg bouncing, pretending to grade papers, but your mind was too focused on the clock, which had been stuck on 8:30 for far too long. You started to wonder when the last time Steve had changed its batteries. He always forgot to put them in the right way, making you do it. It made you giggle at the thought. He was sometimes the face of the idiotic jock stereotype. No one’s perfect. You take that back, Steve is perfect. And God you missed him.

It was only 8:32 AM when you called the shop.

“H&M Auto Repair, Eddie speaking.” Eddie yawned, clearly still not fully awake, sounding annoyed that they already had a customer calling.

“Hi, Eddie.” You said happily, hoping he would recognize that it was you.

It seemed to wake him up once he heard your voice. He greeted you enthusiastically. “You’re not calling to send me on a wild goose chase again, are you?”

You laughed. “No, I’m not.” You felt like a schoolgirl, passing notes in class. “I wanted to talk to my boyfriend.”

“You know how to break a fella’s heart.” You could hear Eddie move, probably dramatically holding a pretend arrow to his heart. “To think you were calling for me. Thought we had something real special going on.”

You made sure to roll your eyes loud enough for him to hear. “So sorry, Eds. It’s not you, it's me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Here’s your lover boy.”

The phone rustled as he handed the phone to Steve. You smiled, heart beating fast when you recognized the sound of his breathing. “You didn’t even make it an hour, babe.” You imagined him leaning back in his chair, smirking.

“You said to call you when I miss you most.” You defended yourself. “And so here I am.”

Steve chuckled, it was granulated but still sounded like the most beautiful melody you had ever heard. He could hang up and tell you that you used your one phone call. But instead he asked, “What am I going to do with you?”

“You should be lucky.”

There was a beat.

“I’m the luckiest.” There was a long sigh. “I gotta go.” But you could tell he didn’t want to. Maybe he was thinking the same as you, that you wished you could crawl through the phone and be with him.

Your finger twirled around the curl of the cord. “See you when you get home?”

“If you can survive that long, sweetheart.” He teased you.

You said your goodbyes, waiting to hang up until he did. You weren’t really sure what to do next. And after long deliberation you took the time to put on the radio and clean. Not that the apartment was messy, but the stove was caked in crumbs, there were dishes in the sink, and you hadn’t really done laundry since your weekend in Porter.

It was 10:15 AM when you had finished your last load of laundry, carrying the basket into the bedroom. As you folded clothes, the room felt darker than normal, even with the light on. You glanced at the window, the curtains were drawn back, but the light still caught into the fabric, holding it hostage. You ran your fingers on the pattern you once thought was pretty.

You left the room, coming back with a ladder. If Steve knew you were on it by yourself, he’d get on you. But then again, he wasn’t here and it wasn’t that far of a climb. As soon as you were close enough to reach the rod, you yanked it off the hook. Sunlight poured into the room, illuminating the tiny dust specs that floated around.

Once you put everything away, you wiped your hands, placing them on your hips, satisfied with the work done. It was 10:47 AM, and a loud yawn came out of you. Maybe a small nap wouldn’t be terrible.

You crawled onto the couch, letting your body sink into the cushions. The smell of Steve still lingered from weeks ago when he would take turns sleeping on it. And it was like it was the easiest thing to do and close your eyes.

You jolted awake, your arm instinctively hitting whoever had just shaken you awake.

“Ow!” The familiar voice of your boyfriend chuckling. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

You sat up, looking at the boy in front of you. He was crouched, smiling, holding his cheek where you assumed you had hit him. “Steve?” You wondered how long you had been asleep. When you turned to look at the clock, you rubbed your eyes. It was only 11:36 AM. “Why are you home?”

Steve grabbed your hand. “Because I told myself I would come home early when I missed you most. I almost turned right around as soon as I left for work. And then when you called me I had to talk myself out of it. I was doing well until I opened my lunch.”

You grinned. “You found the note.” When you made his lunch, you slipped a handwritten note inside:

Have a good day :)

Yours Truly

“I wanna take you somewhere.” He told you. “Right now.” Fortunately, you were already dressed. As you put on your shoes, Steve grabbed your car keys. You didn’t question as you got into the car he never willingly chose to drive. But you also noticed his BMW was not in its usual spot nor anywhere to be seen in the parking lot. Steve must have noticed your confusion. “Eddie drove me home. My car was acting weird on the way to work.”

You weren’t sure why, but you didn’t believe him. Every time he lied, he blinked rapidly. He had done it just then. You bit your tongue, not pointing it out. He seemed nervous. When you set your hand on his hand, he jumped, giving you an apologetic look.

He had brought you the house. The House. But rather than parking in the street, he pulled into the driveway. You couldn’t help but let the thought cross your mind that your car looked like it belonged there. “What are we doing here?”

Steve was already jumping out of the car, coming around to open your door. His hand placed on the small of your back as he led you to the front door. There was a statue of a frog on the ground he picked up, revealing a key. “Are we allowed to be doing this?” You asked in a hushed whisper, even though there was no one around.

“Of course we are. I asked for permission.” He unlocked the door, dramatically motioning for you to go inside.

You hesitated, worried that he was actually leading you to a swarm of police officers. Or maybe your own death. But then he gave you that look, telling you that you could trust him. Your fear being washed away, overrun by excitement. You practically ran inside, hit immediately with the smell of vanilla cookies. It was bigger on the inside than the outside. “It’s even more beautiful than I thought.”

Steve was beaming from behind you as the two of you walked throughout the house. “They recently refurbished it.” Steve said as you gushed over the red brick fireplace in the living area. You squealed when you caught the sight of the kitchen. There was so much counter space compared to the apartment. Steve leaned against the doorway, smiling as you opened all the cabinets, imagining where you could put all the dishes. “Hey,” he said gently. You looked up at him. He was flushed, brushing his fingers through his hair. “Come with me.”

You followed him down the hallway, walking into a large room. Looking around, you had concluded that you were standing in what is supposed to be the master bedroom. Steve grabbed your hand, pulling you through an opened door to the left.

You gasped. It was a bathroom. It was decently sized, a large counter, the walls covered in sage green wallpaper adorned with silver flowers. But your main focus was on the large bathtub against the wall, a glass shower on the other side of it. The bathtub was ivory, reflecting the sunlight that flooded through the window. There was a long rectangular spout on the back of the tub. It almost looked like a jacuzzi tub you’d find at a spa.

Your eyes twinkled when you looked over at Steve. “I’ve never seen something so beautiful.”

“Why don’t you sit in it?” Steve asked you.

You shook your head, grabbing your arm shyly. “No, that would be weird. We don’t live here.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Take your shoes off and it will be fine.”

Steve was very convincing. Plus, you believed he wouldn’t let you leave until you gave it a try. You kicked off your shoes, giggling as you ran over to it, sliding down slowly, imagining you were slipping into a pool of steaming hot water. “I’ve never felt anything more magical.” You sighed, stretching your legs out, your feet not even reaching the other side.

Steve walked over, getting on his knees, his eyes were endearing but his smirk was mischievous. He pushed his glasses up. “Just imagine. You come home after a long day. I could run you a nice hot bath, maybe even give you one of my massages.”

“That’s the hottest thing you’ve ever said to me.” You leaned closer to him, looking at his lips. “Will there be bubbles?”

Steve licked his lips. “So many bubbles.” You leaned back, tittering when he stuck out his bottom lip, pouting. “You know, what the best thing about this bathtub is?” Steve raised a brow. You continued, “It’s big enough for two.” You didn’t have to say another word, Steve shoes were off his feet. He climbed into the other side.

You sat in silence, soaking up the imaginary hot water and bubbles. The sun perfectly casted drops of sparkles on his face. You wondered if he could hear your heartbeat even when he was all the way on the other side of the tub. “Steve.” Your foot nudged his leg. His eyes had been closed the entire time, opening them, locking his doe irises with yours, the corners of his mouth twitching. “You’re my best friend. You know that?”

Steve's face grew softer. “Yeah?”

You looked away shyly. “Yeah.”

“Even though I slurp noodles or forget to take the trash out. And even when I’m sometimes an asshole?” It was supposed to be a joke. But you could tell a part of him wasn’t.

Your face pinched into a silly grin. “Yeah, because it cancels out when I’m a bitch.”

Steve’s shoulders relaxed. “You’re my best friend too.” His words were soft and tender. It made your stomach flutter, and toes tingle. A beat went by before he said your name. You never realized how much you loved hearing him say it until recently. He licked his lips again, but nervously. “I was gonna wait. I had a nice dinner planned this weekend and…” He stopped, laughing to himself. He dug through his front pocket. He opened a box, placing it on the ledge of the tub. “I’ve always thought I wanted you to need me but really, I need you. I don’t think I’d have a life if it weren’t for you.” You could see the tear threatening his lashes. “If I ever forget to tell you that I love you or I’m not with you; I want you to be able to look at your finger and be reminded of that I love you today, tomorrow, and forever.”

Now you were the one crying, lip trembling as you smiled. “But what about wanting to wait to buy a house?”

Steve looked down, wearing a look of guilt. “I kept my promise.”

“What?”

He looked up, sheepishly. “We’re currently in our house. Or I guess it will be. We just need to sign the papers and it’s ours. Our house.”

You wiped your face, still confused, stuttering. “B-but… h-how?”

Steve shrugged. “Savings.”

“I mean, yeah. But I know it wouldn’t cover everything.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “I sold her.”

Her? Who was her? Your brows knitted together, trying to piece everything together. Your mouth fell open, eyes wide. “You sold your car?” His expression told you everything. “Steve,” you cried. “You love that car.”

“But I love you more.” He proclaimed. It rolled off his tongue easily, like breathing. “Yes, I love my car, but eventually the motor will stop running. But this,” he motioned between you two. “This will last a lifetime.”

You looked around the bathroom. And according to Steve it was now your bathroom. Ours. And then it was as if the answer to his question was easy. As easy as it was to blink and think. You grabbed the box, like it was treasure. Treasure which only belonged to you. And Steve. It was yours and his. It was your love. “Yes.” You had never been sure on some things in your relationship with Steve. But you had never been more sure in your life giving him that answer as you let him slip the ring on your finger. It twinkled like his eyes.

Your lips fell on his, deep and slow, savoring the moment. You wanted to bottle it like perfume and wear it everywhere you went. You weren’t sure what it’d be like in the next five years. Or who you’ll be.

But it didn’t matter, as long as you were still his.

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icu-now · 29 days

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You Deserve Each Other

steve harrington x afab!reader (32k) Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 warnings: steve and reader are little jerks to one another; 18+ (minors dni) for later parts; swearing summary: You and Steve have been together for five years. He's seemingly the perfect boyfriend, kisses on the cheek, knowing your orders at restaurant. A great lover. Too bad you've had enough can't stand him. a/n: inspired by You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

The wedding invitation was like a laugh straight to Steve’s and your face. Chief Hopper and Joyce Byers were finally tying the knot. Steve had heard from the youngest Byers that his mom didn’t want to get married again. But Steve guessed the two finally settled on an agreement.

He hated to admit he was jealous. But he was. He had hoped by now that it would be the two of you staying up late at night addressing invitations to people neither one of you had met, but it didn’t matter because you’d be getting married.

You had opened the invitation first, leaving it on the dining table after you had read it. He noticed you had already put it on the calendar hanging on the wall. October 12th had ‘Hopper and Joyce’ in big letters, surrounded by a clean blue-inked heart. “The wedding is in Porter.”

You were sitting on the chair in the living room, legs crossed, grading homework papers. He noticed how the sun twinkled like glitter on your face. You were wearing a big shirt and shorts. You looked comfortable. “Yep.” You flipped a piece of paper over. He was sure you hadn’t even looked at it completely. You flipped it for dramatics, probably skipping over errors. And whoever the paper belonged to was most likely going to receive high marks. Lucky bastard.

“That’s a two hour drive.”

“Yep.”

Steve sighed. Your conversations had been like that for a week– non-existent. But it wasn’t stopping you from still messing with him. You called the shop pretending to be someone who needed help. Eddie had come back, stifling back a laugh, knowing who was behind it. Steve retaliated by “misplacing” his glasses (you didn’t count that when you saw him struggling to read the expiration date on the milk one morning). Then you had “accidentally” poured all of his hair care products down the drain. Steve had come home with a bag full of brand new products, and a month's worth of ramen. He was sick of eating it, but every night at dinner he made himself a bowl, and slurped the loudest he could. Last night, you had had enough, grabbed the bowl out of his hand and dumped it in the sink.

He continued, “If they have a rehearsal dinner the night before, we’d need to get a hotel room.”

You stopped for a moment, registering what he said. “We wouldn’t be invited. No need to.”

“Why do you say that?” He placed the invitation back on the table, picking up the newspaper.

“Joyce and Hopper are private people. Hence the out of town wedding. Also, the invitations were sent out three weeks before the wedding, meaning they hope the late notice means people can’t make it. I imagine Jonathan and Will are going to be the groomsmen and Jane will be the Maid of Honor. The rehearsal will be for immediate family only. I’m surprised we were even invited to the wedding to begin with.” You were right. And he hated that you were right. You weren’t even being pessimistic about it. It was the hardcore truth.

“Ah.” He answered, not wanting to give you satisfaction that he agreed with you.

But the way you flickered your eyes at him, let him know you mentally tallied that you had won, once again. “It’s kind of funny.”

He had found his spot on the couch. The cushions had become flat over the couple of weeks from the two of you sleeping on it. “What is?”

You hummed knowingly. “That they’ve been together almost as long as we have, and they’re getting married.”

Steve felt pathetic. He had tuned out the rest of the sentence once you implied the two of you were still together. “As long as we have?” He repeated.

You were confused, recalling what you had just said. “Oh… I-” You stopped yourself, bringing your lips inward. “You really missed the point, didn’t you?”

“No no no no. Of course not. I heard where you pretty much implied you want to get married.” He was teasing you now, grinning when he saw you uncomfortably shift in your chair.

You couldn’t help but throw your red pen at him, fighting the corners of your lips. “Are you having a bad hair day?” You changed the subject. And for once, Steve was able to give himself a mental tally.

“Dunno, haven’t done it yet.” He opened his newspaper, loudly, the paper crackling. It was a new pet peeve he had discovered of yours. Who knew you had so many secrets hidden in that pretty little head of yours. “Was wondering the same thing about your face.”

“Nice one.” You said between gritted teeth. He watched you pretend not to care, but he caught you looking at yourself in the reflection of the television screen. Another point for Steve.

***

All good things must come to an end.

You were freezing, walking barefoot, and pissed off. You clutched your heels you had taken off about a mile ago. You had no sense of direction, so you weren’t sure where you were.

It was all of Steve’s fault. He asked you to come. You should have forced him to get on his knees and made him beg.

It was his parent’s anniversary dinner, and as soon as the two of you had walked into Enzo’s, it was like she could smell the trouble in paradise. It was as if both of you were sweating your lies about you being a happy couple. To be fair, you weren’t a couple. But you still let him hold your hand when you walked in the restaurant and still let him pull out your chair at the table.

But it was when he had tried to order your regular, you quickly cut in and ordered something you had never even had before. You were smiling ear-to-ear when he gave you a confused look, whispering, “Since when did you ever get that?”

“What do you mean, sweetheart? I always get that when we come here.” It was a lie. And you both knew it. You had never gotten that dish in your life.

But his mother didn’t know because she never paid enough attention to realize you ever ate. Mrs. Harrington’s face perked up, and like a Spidey-sense the hairs on her arm stood, knowing there was tension between you. “Steve, you’ve been with her for how long and you still don’t know her restaurant order?”

You gave a fake sad smile that said, ‘My long term boyfriend doesn’t know me.’

He opened his mouth, like he wanted to argue. But quickly shut it, knowing what you were trying to do. Instead, he reached in his jacket pocket and slid a box across the table. “Happy anniversary,” he grumbled. He took another box and slid it over to his father.

His mother opened the box, all giddy. Two sterling silver earrings, dainty and sophisticated like her. She nearly shook the table with a squeal. “Oh, Steve! They’re beautiful. Don’t you agree, Connie?” She rolled her eyes as he stuffed his face with the free bread. He hadn’t even touched his present. He grunted in response. She looked over at you, saying your name out loud. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

For a second, you felt sympathetic. The way her smile shone, reaching her eyes. You realized Martha Harrington was looking for validation. Woman to woman. There was a mutual understanding that sometimes you wanted to be told what you wear looked beautiful. Just because.

But you already knew the earrings were beautiful. You had picked them out. You were at the store with Steve when you saw them. You picked them up, letting them gleam against the flourcents above you. Your eyes shone bright like Martha’s. You turned to Steve, and asked him the same question. “Steve, aren’t they beautiful?” Which is another way of asking, “Wouldn’t I look beautiful wearing these?”

He had taken them out of your hand and proclaimed. “These would be great for my mom. Her and my dad’s anniversary is in a few weeks and I was having a hard time finding her something.”

Regardless, you gave Martha a kind smile. There was no sarcasm behind it or resentment. “Put them on. They’d look beautiful on you.”

It was the words she exactly wanted to hear. She looked like a kid on Christmas as she quickly tried to take the studs out and replace them with the new pair.

You felt Steve’s gaze on you. You saw his hand twitch under the table, like he wanted to grab you, but maybe he thought you’d pull away. Something in you said you wouldn’t. But he never followed through with his impulse.

Conrad’s reaction was much different. It was a pair of cufflinks. Mr. Harrington had an obsession with cufflinks so any holiday or special event, that’s what he always received. “Thanks son, I needed another pair.” You tried to imagine him squealing like his wife, asking around the table if they were beautiful. You refrained from letting the giggle escape at the thought.

You believed the dinner was going well. Believed.

Conrad was still finishing his food, when Martha cleared her throat, wanting to say something to the table. She smiled sweetly. “I’ve thought a lot about the two of you since our last dinner.”

Oh god. You looked at the bread knife smothered in butter. Steve must have known what you were thinking because he stacked the plates for the waiter, but really he was ensuring the knife was out of reach from you. Martha continued. “My comments were… unnecessary.” That was the closest you’d ever hear her apologize. “I think I have been impatient, wanting the two of you to get married. To start a family.” She made an innocent face in her last comment.

You had known for a long time that all Mrs. Harrington wanted was grandchildren to spoil. It was sad. Absent most of Steve’s teenage years, and only entered back into it when he got in a serious relationship because it might mean grandchildren.

She picked up her faux leather bag, pulling out a folder. She slid it over to you. From an outsider's view, the smile she wore seemed sweet and caring, but you had known her long enough to recognize it as pure evil. You picked the folder up carefully, slowly opening it. Your heart sank. “One of my friend’s from the country club has a daughter who is a little older than you. She’s waiting to get married. She froze her eggs because you never know, getting older and all.”

You felt tears prick your eyes. You didn’t answer.

“I want you to have the best chances. You know, when you start your family. Me and Conrad will even pay for it all. As long as you pop out cute little Harringtons-”

“I don’t want children!” You slammed the folder on the table. The stacked plates clattered against one another. Conrad’s whiskey waved in the glass. Other guests stopped their own conversations, looking over at you.

Steve sank in his seat, putting his hand on his face, attempting to hide from everyone else.

“W-what?” Martha squawked. “I mean… no one said you had to have children immediately. That’s why freezing your eggs is a wonderful opportunity to do what you want before having a baby.”

Of course you wanted children. Of course you wanted to start a family. But you were too scared to tell Martha that you just didn’t want those things with her son. “Bullshit.” You stood up.

“Sit down, dear. Don’t cause a scene.” Martha laughed awkwardly, looking around the restaurant, trying to assure everyone everything was okay.

You narrowed your eyes, grabbing Steve’s sleeve. “Come on Steve, let’s go have wild sex in the bathroom without a condom. Would you like little Enzo bathroom babies, Martha? Is that what you want from me?”

Steve said your name in a commanding tone. “Stop it. Now.” He looked over at a group of waiters on stand-by, as if they were waiting to drag you out.

“No! I told you I was sick of this. But I still came tonight. For you. And what do I get out of it?” You picked up the folder, and tossed it in front of him. “I’m leaving now. Either you stay or come with me.”

Steve opened his mouth to say something. His hands were on the table as if he was about to get up, but then he looked over at his mother who was in hysterics. His father was downing the rest of his whiskey, motioning for the waiter to bring the check. Steve looked away from you, ashamed.

So now, you were somewhere in Hawkins where there were no street lamps or gas stations. You’d sit on the ground if you could. But you wore a too short dress, hoping it would piss off Martha. You should have listened to Steve when you left the apartment and took your coat. You remember a time he used to put his own jacket around you.

He was seriously getting on your nerves.

Finally, the first car you had seen in forty-five minutes rolled up the hill. Its head lights blared, nearly blinding you. You heard the rickety-rack of the engine working hard to do its job. Whoever was behind the wheel flashed their lights at you when they got closer. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who it was once you heard the angelic sounds of Led Zeppelin pouring out from the speakers, bouncing against the road, suffocating you.

Eddie Munson had a big grin on his face when he pulled to the side, right in front of you. He tapped the outside of his van. “Do not fear, your knight in shining armor is here.”

You let out a sigh. “Of course he called you.” Nonetheless, you were too cold to protest. You climbed in the passenger seat quickly, sighing when you felt the heat from the vents hit your frozen cheeks.

“He was worried sick ‘bout you.” Eddie rolled the window up, but he didn’t start driving just yet.

“So worried that he asked you to come look for me instead of doing it himself.”

Eddie snickered. “You two are unbelievable, you know that? I know it took me years to finally graduate high school, but you two are thick in the head.” He turned his music down. “He called me from Leonard’s Corner Store because he had been looking for you for twenty minutes. He thought either something happened or you went the opposite way from town.”

You looked at your watch. If that was true, it meant he had come after you ten minutes after you had left. You rested your head on the window. “He’s a pain in the ass.”

Eddie busted out laughing. He covered his mouth with a fist, his rings glimmered. “Sorry, I am. But, you’re no peach either.”

You shifted in the seat, looking the other way. You didn’t reply.

“I’m not taking sides in this little…” He moved his hand in a circle looking for the word. A mental light bulb went off. “Squabble. But do you know everything he does has always been for you?”

You threw your hands up. “I didn’t ask him to do that, Eddie!”

He raised his brows, giving you a pointed look. “But isn’t that the point? If you care about someone enough, you do things for them without asking.”

Your face fell, looking at your hands. Sure, he had to be told to take out the trash or to hang up curtains countless times. And as irritating it was to hear it from Eddie Munson, maybe Steve didn’t have to be asked to care about you.

The rest of the ride was silent. You were too heavy in thought to even care about him drumming the steering wheel, rings clanking, and foot tapping. He pulled into H&M, and you tried to hide when you noticed Steve leaning against the back of his car. You had seen him first before he saw you, and he looked distressed.

Then he saw you climb out of Eddie’s van. He strode up to you quickly, his hands gripped your shoulders, examining you. “Are you okay?” You locked eyes. And you felt your chest tighten as his soft brown irises, full of worry, searched to make sure you were okay. He let go of you, shimmying off his jacket. “Here.” He enveloped you in it.

“I’m fine.” Your voice was soft, but you still clutched onto the jacket. You hoped he didn’t notice you sniffed, taking in the smell of his cologne. You gave him a weak smile. “Eddie found me just in time. I thought I heard a bear.”

Steve let out a breathy laugh, the corners of mouth turned upwards. Your heart stopped when he put his arms across your back, pulling you closer to him. “Thanks.” He told Eddie.

Eddie was still in his van but the passenger window was rolled down. He gave Steve a sloppy salute. “No problem man. But next time, I’m sending you a bill.”

In the car, Steve kept asking if it was either too hot or cold for you. By the fourth time he had asked and reached over to change the temperature, your hand flew onto his. It was like a tidal wave of electricity shooting up your arm. “I’m fine.” You let your hand linger on his. But only to assure him you were alright. No other reason.

When he pulled into the parking lot, neither one of you jumped to get out. He reached behind your seat, revealing a plastic bag. A strong sense of Italian food jumped at you.

“What’s that?”

Steve used his other hand and scratched his neck. “I noticed you barely ate your dinner. I was certain it was because it wasn’t the usual. That’s why I didn’t come immediately after you.”

You took the bag from him, opening up the contents. He had gotten your favorite dish from there. You thought he didn’t notice that you didn’t care for what you had ordered.

A beat went by between the two of you.

“I’m sorry-”

You looked at one another. Both of you gave a half-hearted smile.

“You go first-”

You shared a laugh.

“I’m sorry for ruining your parent’s anniversary.” You started to play with a button on his jacket. You were a bit hot underneath it, but somehow it felt so comforting.

Steve gave you an assuring smile. “Trust me. You didn’t ruin anything. Their anniversary is more like a celebration of another year they didn’t get a divorce.”

“I embarrassed you.” Steve frowned, taking a moment on what to say. “She embarrassed you more. That’s why I’m so sorry. I try so hard for her to see what I see, but you always take the fall because of it.” He turned in his seat, facing his entire body towards you. “I guess a part of me wanted to show my parents I didn’t need them to feel wanted. And that wasn’t fair to you.”

Your heart sank. All this time you had believed he dragged you to those miserable dinners out of malicious intent. “I didn’t make it easy.”

“No. But it’s only because my mother has never met her match before.” He leaned in, dropping his voice like it was a secret. “It’s kind of hot.”

Your cheeks heated up. Or maybe it was because of the burning air coming out of the vents, scorching your cheeks. Nonetheless, you nudged his shoulder playfully. “Shut up.”

“I think I had to fight a hard-on in the middle of the restaurant when you told her about us having wild sex in the bathroom.” He was teasing you now.

But you still squirmed, fighting a smile. “You’re disgusting, Harrington.”

“Don’t get me started when you told her you didn’t want children. The expression on her face… priceless.” He poked you, trying to get a reaction. “By the way, I knew it was a lie just to mess with her.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh do you?”

He leaned back in. His face was much closer, more smug, and his breath fanned over you. You felt a tiny gasp in your throat, swallowing it. He brushed back a piece of your hair out of your face. He looked down at your lips while licking his own. You heard the plastic bag rattle in your hands as you clutched it. “Yeah, because why else would you beg me to finish inside of you?”

Your lips parted, a silent invite for his. But just as quick as he made your stomach twist, he had pulled away. You sat in the passenger seat, flabbergasted. He opened the door for you, unsure if you should kick him in the groin or smash your lips onto his.

You were confused if the two of you were still playing the game. The entire time you had believed he was behind and you were destined for victory. Now, it felt like he had made a move and you were unsure how to escape.

***

Steve opened the door to the hotel room. The lights took a moment to turn on when he flipped the switch. You were behind him, trying to peer over his shoulder.

Turns out, the two of you were invited to Hopper’s and Joyce’s rehearsal dinner. It wasn’t until tomorrow and the wedding Saturday afternoon. Steve insisted on driving down a day early after work and making it a small vacation.

Neither one of you had brought up the elephant in the room on whether to get separate rooms, two beds, or take the leap and share a bed. Steve noticed the sigh of relief that came from you when you saw there was a couch. He was indifferent.

He had both your bags in his hands, throwing them on the bastard couch.

You ran to the window, peeking behind the blinds, gasping in awe. “I’ve never been to a hotel with a pool. I should have brought my swimsuit”

“It’s fifty degrees outside.”

She smiled at him. “I triple dog dare you to jump in. Naked.”

He rolled his eyes, ignoring you. You giggled at the lack of response, backing away from the window. You skipped over to the large bed, throwing yourself on it so that it made a thump. You sprawled all your limbs, claiming it as your own. “This is better than our mattress at home.”

Who knew one word could make his heart flutter inside his chest. Our. “Do you think they’ll notice if we take it?” You looked up at him mischievously.

“You’ve barely been out of Hawkins for a day and are already trying to cause trouble.” He tutted, thinking about how seconds ago she wanted him to skinny dip in a public pool. He glanced at the clock as the same time his stomach rumbled. “I’m starving.”

You subconsciously moved your hands over your own. Humming in agreement.

He looked at you, rubbing the back of his neck. He had never felt this nervous before since the day he asked you to stay with him at Kitty’s Cafe all those years ago. “Er… I asked the clerk about restaurants around here. She said there’s a steakhouse.”

You sat up, biting your lip. He wished he could read your mind. He wanted to get on his knees and beg you to tell him. He wanted to assure you that he wanted to help carry your thoughts and worries. But something stood between you. His pride blocked him from moving. Steve looked at the ground, forcing a yawn. “You know, to think of it, the long drive and all. Let’s order a pizza.”

He thought he saw a look of disappointment flash across your face. “Okay.”

Steve wasn’t sure when he fell asleep. He woke up and it was dark, only the lamp on the nightstand was lit up, casting dancing shadows. He sat up slowly, a blanket that wasn’t there before slipped off of him. He saw the empty box of pizza he and you had devoured earlier.

You weren’t in the room. He panicked, thinking maybe you had ditched him. But his keys were still sitting on the coffee table and your bag was now on the bed. He took a leap of faith and walked over to the window, smiling when he saw the familiar silhouette sitting at the edge of the pool.

It didn’t take him long to join you. His arm brushed yours as he sat next to you. Your knees were pulled into your chest, hugging them as you looked at the water. Leaves and bugs floated on the surface.

“Is it cold?” He asked you, motioning towards your bare feet. Water droplets lingered on your skin.

“Fucking freezing.” When you laughed, the heat from your mouth mixed with the crisp air, making a cloud. You looked at him finally. “You excited to see Dustin tomorrow?”

Steve grinned at the boy’s name. “Surprisingly, yeah. I miss having him around sometimes.”

“Is he still heartbroken about Suzie?”

He snickered, leaning back, pressing his palms against the concrete. “Apparently chicks at M.I.T. dig a nerd. He’s kind of a player now.”

There was a beat.

“I need to tell you something.” Your tone had become serious. “I talked to my parents and I think when we get back to Hawkins I’m going to move back in with them.” You made a sound that resembled a pitiful laugh, like you had hoped it would soften the blow. “I guess this means you won.”

Steve’s mind blanked. Had he said something today that upset her? He thought things were going well between them.

“Things are good.”

Shit. He must have said that outloud. “Then why are you leaving?”

“Because what about tomorrow? What about in five years, Steve?” Your voice cracked.

He didn’t need to beg you to share your thoughts. But he wasn’t sure if he could bear this. “I dunno, I thought we would be married.”

You threw your arms out. “It isn’t enough to just be married.”

“Why not? If we have each other-” “Each other? We can’t even stand each other, and you don’t even see it. I don’t want to be like your parents. Bitter and resentful because nothing is enough.” He noticed your chest moving rapidly.

He clenched his jaw, standing up. “But you are enough.”

You stood up as well. “Am I? Because sometimes it feels like you devote your time and energy at the shop. I wanted to break up with you because I already felt single.”

He managed to keep his voice low enough not to cause a disturbance, but it still was fierce. “I devote my time at the shop because of you. All I’ve wanted for you is the best. A big house.” He spread his arms out. “Who knows, maybe with a fucking pool.”

You bent over, stifling a laugh. “Steve if you want that, then let’s just move in with your fucking parents! Admit it. You say you want all these things for me but really you still feel like you have to prove something.” You poked him in the chest. “You of all people should know that a big house doesn’t mean shit. Because at the end of the day, it’s just you and a bunch of empty rooms.”

He didn’t answer.

Your voice softened. “You were the one who said you didn’t even know me anymore. And it’s true. If you knew me then you’d know I’ve never wanted a big house.”

Steve took a deep breath. He began to strip off his shoes followed by his socks. He looked up at you. “How long?”

Your brows knitted together. “Huh?”

He grabbed the collar of his polo, pulling it up. When it was off, he threw it to the side and began to unbuckle his belt. “You dared me to jump in. So, for how long?”

You stumbled. “I- I was joking.”

He was persistent, shimmying his jeans down his legs, kicking them to join his shirt. He stood in only his boxers, he hooked his fingers on his waistband. He started to pull them down, rolling his eyes when you squeaked and turned around quickly. He looked around, praying that no one had the sudden urge to look outside their window.

“Steve, you don’t have to do it,” you begged.

“I can’t back down on a triple-dog dare.” He walked to the edge of the pool, his toes already shivering. “How long?” He asked one more time.

“I- twenty seconds.”

Before you finished your sentence, he jumped in. A large splash followed, water flew everywhere. The leaves and bugs floating in the middle found their way to the other side. When Steve resurfaced, his lip quivered, but he stood still, hugging himself. “T-t-t-ime m-m-m-e.”

You quickly looked at your watch, eyes wide. He saw you tap your foot every time a second went by. You chewed on your bottom lip, occasionally glancing at him, shaking your head. “Okay, it’s been twenty seconds.”

But he stayed in place, closing his eyes briefly.

“Steve, did you hear me? You did it. Now get out before you get hypothermia or something!”

A few more seconds passed before he finally made his way back to you. He was tall enough that he could walk across. He stopped at the edge, smiling wide and proud. But you were a different story. You were angry. You looked like you wanted to hold his head under water. “I said twenty seconds, not nearly a minute.”

He chuckled. “I-I k-k-now.”

“Why?” You kneeled in front of him.

“B-because I want to a-a-lways go g-great l-lengths f-f-or you.” He shivered.

Even though it felt like his genitals had shriveled up inside his body and was seeing stars, he managed to offer you a cheesy smile.

You mirrored his expression but it was softer. Much more kind. Your eyes were big and sympathetic. He liked the way the water reflected in your pupils, like a small pool he wanted to dive into. It was dark, but blue shadows glimmered your cheeks. You looked angelic.

You let out scoff, but it wasn’t meant to be sarcastic. You just couldn’t believe him. “You’re so dramatic.” You offered your hand to pull him up.

He wasn’t going to let you off that easily. He accepted it. Instead of letting you pull him up, he pulled you down. You yelped his name, crashing right next to him in the pool. When you resurfaced, you scowled at him. His laugh carried along with the tiny waves that crashed against your body. “A-ashole.” You splashed him. “S-so much for b-eing r-romantic.”

When the two of you got out, you took the advantage of being fully clothed to run to the room while he put on his. He shook his head, taking his time. He decided to only put his boxers back on, grabbing the rest of his belongings.

When he finally turned the corner of the hallway, he couldn’t help but smirk as you bounced in front of the door. He was the only one who had the key to get inside the room. When you saw him you stormed up to him, grabbing his jeans, searching the pockets. Unsuccessful in your mission, you turned around, narrowed eyes when you saw he held the key up, taunting you.

There was a moment that passed. He quickly ran past you, but your reflexes were just as swift. You tackled him, both of you landed on the ground with a thud. His personal items scattered in the hallway. You were on top of him trying to grab the key. One of his arms held you back while the other stretched out as far as it could, feeling like his skin and muscles were about to rip. “Give it to me.”

The clothes on your body were drenched and cold against his chest. You tried to wiggle from his restraint. He felt his body burn. He felt shivers drag down his spine, but he wasn’t sure if it was from being cold. He tried harder to hold you back, pushing you a little. It was no use, your legs tightened their grip around him. You paused for a moment, chest heaving, clearly exhausted. When you shifted, he heard a quiet gasp leave your lips. You looked like a deer caught in headlights. “Dude.”

He groaned trying to wriggle out from beneath you, ignoring the comment.

You laughed. “A hard on? Are you serious?”

Were you not aware that he was only in his boxers and you were writhing all over him and directly on his dick? He took the opportunity to flip yoh over, standing up. He grabbed his belongings quickly and went towards the door. He unlocked it. Hesitant, he let out a loud sigh, opening the door, motioning for you to go in.

You were still flustered. Walking in, eyes on the floor, wasting no time to rush in the bathroom. He heard the muffled sound of water turn on.

He turned the knob, surprised to find it unlocked. He debated on going in. The only push was that he knew you’d get him back by using up all the hot water. Or did hot water even run out when you’re at a hotel? He wasn’t going to think about that technicality.

He made sure he was loud enough enough when he entered. “I’m in here.”

He saw the outline of your silhouette through the shower curtain. Your head turned towards his direction. “I know.”

There was a beat.

“Just give me the word and I’ll leave.”

You didn’t say anything.

He quickly stripped from his boxers and he felt like he had jumped behind the curtain. His body felt like it had gone in shock from the scalding hot water. He felt your eyes bore into the back of his head. But if he turned around it would be too real. Being in the shower so close, bare and vulnerable for both of you to see.

He slowly shifted himself, fully facing you. Your eyes felt like a magnet for his own.

You moved your hands, covering your chest, breaking the trance. “You’re taking up all the hot water.”

He smiled playfully, placing his hand on the showerhead, adjusting it so it sprayed them both.

You turned around, glancing over your shoulder slightly. “Don’t watch me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart.”

“Your boner outside tells me otherwise.”

Touché, he thought.

It felt like the night a few days ago, when he had flirted with you. Like it was the first time he had ever made a suggestive pass at you. “You were the one grinding on top of me. Maybe I should be the one telling you not to look.”

You didn’t answer.

“No comment?” He took a chance, stepping closer. “Maybe because you do want to look?” He dragged his thumb over the back of your arm.

You didn’t slap his arm away or jump. He heard the sharp breath of air you breathed in. And he swore he saw you step back. You told him not to look. And he did as you wished, his gaze stuck like glue to your back.

You, however, were the one who turned. He wasn’t sure what to make out from your expression. Your arms still shielded him from looking. “Do you really see us in a big house?”

Steve shrugged. “I did. I mean I do. But I dunno. He licked his lips. “I guess what I really mean is that I see us anywhere.”

“You should have told me. If you saw us in a house then you should have trusted me to help with that dream.” You weren’t mad. You weren’t yelling. But you sounded disappointed. He wondered if he made it seem like he didn’t trust you. That was far from the truth.

“I didn’t want you to worry about it. And not in a I don’t think you could help way… I just felt like I needed to do it. Because I want you to need me.” He had never admitted that. It made him so weak and pathetic. He was twenty-five years old and still needed validation.

Your hand carefully rose, landing on his shoulder, dragging it up to his neck, brushing his cheek. He nearly melted in your palm. “Being together means we don’t let the other shoulder all the responsibilities.”

Steve rested his forehead on yours, closing his eyes. “I miss you.” He broke from your grasp, leaving the shower without a glance in your direction.

You stayed in the bathroom for another thirty minutes. When you came out he heard you walk up to the couch, trying to see if he was asleep. He wasn’t. But he had his eyes shut and didn’t flinch when he felt you adjusted the blanket over him.

There was the sound of the sheets rustling and bed creaking. He could hear a few voices down the hall, the sudden thought occurred to him, wondering if his neighbors had heard them earlier wrestling.

Steve felt himself drift off to sleep. Wondering if it had only been a dream when you whispered, “Goodnight, Steve.”

***

Hopper and Joyce looked sickeningly in love that you couldn’t stand it. Not literally. In fact, you were more than happy for them. They already acted like they had been married for a century, knowing one another like the back of their hands. They had been through so much before being pulled to one another.

If anyone deserved one another, it was them.

The rehearsal dinner was just as small as you had guessed. They had reserved a room at a local bar and grill. You and Steve had been one of the first ones to arrive since already being in town. Joyce engulfed both of you in a tight hug. Hopper settled with an acknowledging nod.

Jane, Will, and Jonathan were already there as well, sitting all together, talking. When Jane saw you, her face lit up. The light above her flickered a bit brighter than before. Her brothers looked in your direction, also smiling wide.

The two of you joined them. Steve gave Jonathan a firm handshake, diving into conversation. You took a seat next to Jane. Her hair was platinum blonde, transcending to the middle of her back, shining like barbie hair. “Since when did you do that?” You pointed.

Will scoffed. “Don’t mention it. Hopper is furious. If she wasn’t already moved out then she’d probably be grounded.”

Jane gave Will a dirty look. She smiled at you again. “Max convinced me to do it. Said it would suit my complexion.”

“What does Max know? She can’t even see.” Will held back a laugh.

Apparently they had had this conversation before because she kicked him under the table. “I told you to shut up.”

“I agree with Max, it compliments you very well. Will, how’s the comic book coming along?” For the past five years, Will had been working on a comic book that no one was allowed to see.

He frowned. “School has forced me to put that on hold.”

Jane leaned in. “He’s failing.”

It was Will’s turn to kick her under the table. “Stop telling people I’m failing, Eleven.” She had made the decision a few years ago to only be referred to as Jane. There were a select bunch still allowed to call her Eleven. And you noticed Will did it whenever he was upset with her.

It was Jonathan’s turn to enter the conversation. “You are failing.”

Will crossed his arms across his chest. “Be quiet. Mom doesn’t know yet.”

Jane and Jonathan looked at one another and busted out laughing.

You caught Steve chuckling himself, his eyes looking between the siblings. You wondered what he was thinking. If he thought the same thing you did. That their circumstances were unconventional but it was like the world had always destined them to be a family.

You looked at the doors which opened wide, a large group poured in. Mike Wheeler, still lanky, led them in. He always carried that sense of confidence and leadership when he entered a room. Dustin was not far behind. The two held the doors open, allowing Lucas to Max inside. The tension at the table sizzled when Jane and Will stood up and ran over to their friends, embracing one another.

Steve nearly jumped over the table and pushed everyone out of the way to greet Dustin.

As you got up to join Steve, you heard Hopper grumble a complaint to Joyce. “Remind me why we invited all of them?” You knew he was specifically talking about Mike. Although he and Jane had broken up long ago, Hopper still didn’t care for the kid.

Joyce had rolled her eyes, hitting him playfully. “They’re family.”

“Is it too late to elope?”

You stood off to the side, smiling, watching everyone reconnect with a brief synopsis of how life has been for them. Nancy was the last one to walk in. Her petite face was rosy red. She rushed over to where you were like she was relieved to see you.

“I didn’t know you were going to be here.” You greeted her, happy that there would be a girl your age. No offense to Max and Jane.

Nancy sighed, talking only low enough for you to hear. “Jonathan asked me to be his plus one. I was in the restroom.”

You gave her a pointed look, peering over at the oldest Byers. He stood with his hands in his pockets, slouched shoulders and looked like he hadn't had any decent sleep. The pair had been on and off for the past five years. You guessed they were borderlining the former.

You really weren’t sure when the tone shifted for you. Maybe it had been the romantic heartfelt speech Hopper dedicated to Joyce, thanking everyone who came. They only wanted the most important people in their lives to witness their matrimony and those people were in the room. Or maybe it was when Max showed off the promise ring Lucas had given her.

Either way, you felt a tear make a trail down your cheek. It was like Steve expected you to cry. He pulled out a tissue from— well you weren’t exactly sure considering he wasn’t wearing a jacket and his jeans were a bit too tight (not that you were complaining)— handing it to you.

And maybe it was the sad way you looked at him that Nancy grabbed your hand and said, “I need to go to the bathroom.” She pulled you up without a chance to argue and dragged you out of the private room.

“This isn’t the bathroom.” You joked when she quietly led you to the bar.

The bartender seemed to recognize her, asking if she wanted the same as last time. “Yes, make it four. Double.”

Your eyes nearly popped from their sockets. “Jesus, Nance. You’re gonna drink that much?”

Nancy hopped on the bar stool. “Of course not. The other two are for you.”

You had a feeling there was no arguing with her. You followed by climbing on the seat next to her. She didn’t beat around the bush. “Robin told me everything.”

You wished you were coy enough to ask her what she meant by everything. But by the way she looked at you, she meant exactly what she had said. “Don’t you think they’ll get worried about us?” You tried your best to change the subject. The bartender set the shots on the counter, the clear liquid spilled over the top dripping down the glass.

She tilted her head forward, her eyes boring into yours, telling you that there was no way to escape the conversation. “She told me you broke up with him.”

You downed your first shot, pinching your face from the burn in your throat and in your nose. “It’s… complicated.”

“Complicated because you still live together.” Nancy took her shot with ease. “But it doesn’t look complicated. If you saw what everyone else sees, you wouldn’t say that.”

You weren’t sure what she meant by that. So instead of asking her to elaborate you took your next shot, washing the question back down your throat. Or maybe you knew what she meant. You wondered if she saw how you and Steve shared a smile that belonged only between you two throughout the dinner. You wondered if she saw how he draped his arm across the back of your chair and how you occasionally leaned all the way back so that his fingers would brush your shoulder. You wondered if she could hear how your heart pounded against your chest the entire evening.

You gave her a look, tears brimmed your eyes. It felt like the first time you had realized you liked him. It felt like the notes you used to pass him in class. It felt like the days you both floated on your backs in his parent’s pool, soaking the summer sun. It felt when he had asked you to stay with him in that empty diner. It was just you two like always, but it was different and it wasn’t complicated. It had never been complicated.

You asked the bartender for two more shots. Then two more after that. It was safe to say you were buzzed. Steve would come looking for you soon. It was now or never to get the one thing that had been weighing on your chest, off. “His mom hates me.” Your words were slow and full of sadness. You poked Nancy’s shoulder. “But she loooves you.”

Nancy snorted, covering her mouth, also tipsy. “Oh my god. That woman will never be happy with anyone her son is with. She kept comparing me to this girl he had never even met before. I think it was her boss' niece. She had just gotten accepted into Harvard.”

An obnoxious cackle shot out of you like canon. “He’s no help. He just sits there while she pokes me with a stick.”

“Steve is a good guy. But he’s sometimes oblivious.”

“I’ll take a shot to that!” You nearly fell off the stool when you shot your arm out.

Nancy laughed, holding you up. “I… I think we’ve reached our limit.”

You both broke out in a fit of giggles. A rough tap on your shoulder made you turn around, your smile faltering when you thought it was Steve but instead was a guy you didn’t know. He was around your age, smiling at you. “Hello, gorgeous.”

You shared an exasperated look with Nancy. It was your cue to return back to the group who probably would send a search party soon. But he stepped closer, blocking you from getting off the stool. It felt like the alcohol had finally hit your bloodstream, rushing to your head. “My boyfriend.” It was all you could manage to say.

“Boyfriend? I don’t see a boyfriend ‘round here.” The guy gave you a toothy smile that had no pure intentions behind it. “But if you come home with me I think we could work somethin’ out.”

You shoved your finger in his chest as he tried to step closer. “My booyfriend willl beat you up.”

“Yeah, so leave her alone.” Nancy joined in.

The guy seemed amused by the two of you. And if you were sober you would be able to tell he wasn’t intimidated by either of you or the “boyfriend” you kept threatening him with.

“Do we have a problem here?” You felt someone slide in next to you. Their body blocked the guy from stepping any closer to you. An arm wrapped around you protectively and the familiar warmth and smell made you smile. You looked up to see Steve glaring at the guy.

He looked at Steve and then back at you, scoffing. “Nah man. It’s all good.”

Steve tightened his grasp. “I wasn’t talking to you.” He looked down at you, his face softer, brows raised. He was waiting for the word to handle the situation.

You felt your cheeks heat up. “Uh… yeah. I mean we’re good.”

Steve’s eyes lingered on yours. “Let’s go. Both of you.”

Nancy and you slid off the stools quickly. He positioned himself behind you two, a hand on each of your shoulders like he was a personal bodyguard. As you three started to walk away, you heard the guy speak again. “What a bitch.”

You winced as Steve’s grasp forced you to stop. He snapped around. “What did you say?”

The guy grinned. “I didn’t say nothin’.” He looked you up and down. “Just that your girl’s a bitch.”

It happened in a blink of an eye. The guy had no time to react when Steve balled up his fist and punched him square in the jaw. There was a small crunch and it was hard to tell if it came from the bones in Steve’s knuckles or the guy’s nose when Steve grabbed him by the collar and landed another punt to his nose.

Conveniently there were two police officers waiting for this exact moment. They ran over, pulling Steve off the poor bloodied guy who was whimpering and clutching his face. One of them put Steve in handcuffs and the other asked for a bag of ice.

You shook your head, regretting it because the room started to spin. But you still stepped forward, grabbing the arm of the officer who had a hold of Steve. “Are you not going to arrest the other guy?”

He shook her off. “Ma’am, don’t touch me.”

You pointed angrily at the guy still on the floor but now had a bag of ice on his cheek. “He started it.”

The officer ignored you, leading Steve out of the bar. You looked over at Nancy, giving her a look of disbelief. She shrugged. “Maybe we should go get-“

You cut her off by approaching the officer who was taking the guy’s testimony.

“Yeah, I was just mindin’ my own business and he punched me out of nowhere.” He said to the officer.

“That’s a load of bullshit! He was being an asshole.” You proclaimed, Nancy held your arm lightly so that you wouldn’t do anything stupid.

“Ma’am, please wait your turn. I will get you and your friend’s statement shortly.” The officer was clearly annoyed.

“You need to arrest him too!” You slurred.

The officer sighed, apologizing to the guy on the ground. He turned to you fully. “If you don’t settle down I’ll have to restrain you.”

“Come on I’m sure Hop-“ Nacy was cut off once again as you pulled away from her and stormed up into the officer’s face.

“My boyfriend was provoked by him. It’s not fair.” You only shoved his shoulder lightly, but the officer clenched his jaw at the contact.

He sighed, probably wishing he had picked a different profession. He told you your rights as he cuffed you, guiding you outside and to the cop car. He opened the door and helped you get inside.

A leg brushed against yours, looking over to the side you saw Steve giving you a pointed look. He didn’t have to say it out loud for you to know he was asking, “What the hell did you do?”

“Don’t look at me.” You closed your eyes, leaning your head against the window to relax the waves rushing in your brain. It felt like you were on a merry go round at the park.

“You’re… I… do I even want to know?” Steve sounded panicked, probably examining your clothes to see if there was blood.

You opened an eye, unable to hold back the laughter.

He shook his head. “You’re unbelievable, you know that, right? First, you and Nancy disappear. I was really worried about you. And now you’re laughing because we got arrested.”

You leaned into him, laying your head on his shoulder. “Aw… Stevie were you worried about me?”

Even though he rolled his eyes, the corners of his lips lifted up. When he looked at you, you batted your eyes, eyelashes fluttering, fanning over your cheeks. “I always worry about you.”

You couldn’t help the smile grow on your face. If your hands weren’t cuffed you think your body would betray you by grabbing his face and placing your lips on his. But then again, you were really drunk.

The backseat doors opened, making the two of you jump like you were guilty.

When the officer who had arrested you pulled you out, sighing as he took off your cuffs, you caught a glimpse of Hopper standing only a few feet away, arms crossed and scowling. You almost turned around to beg the officer to put you back in the car.

Almost as soon as both you and Steve approached him, reluctantly, he opened his mouth like he was going to shout. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, controlling his anger. “You two have no idea how lucky you are.”

“Hopper it wasn’t his fault-”

“I don’t want to hear it!” Hopper raised his voice. “He threw the first punch and that’s more than enough reason to arrest him. And you,” he turned to you. “You are supposed to be the civil one, not assaulting a police officer.”

You blew a raspberry. “Assault is not the right word. I nudged him.”

Steve guffawed at the remark.

Hopper shook his head, mumbling to himself, looking back and forth between you two. He pointed his finger wiggling it. “You two deserve each other.”

You weren’t sure if your cheeks were burning from the alcohol or embarrassment that Hopper had bestowed upon you.

Hopper then had sent you both home— well, the hotel. But before you two turned away, he tilted his head forward, narrowing his eyes. “Please, don’t do anything stupid tomorrow.”

“You got it, chief!” You put a thumbs up, smiling goofily.

Hopper ran his hand over his face, motioning at Steve to get you out of his sight. Probably before he uninvited both of you. Steve led you to the car as you giggled, still thinking it was hilarious you had been arrested. You had never been a trouble maker. It made you feel like a new you had been born. You hoped sober you would feel the same. You felt exuberated.

It was like you had blinked and Steve was helping you out of the car in the parking lot of the hotel. He tried to keep your arm over his shoulders to hold you up as you walked. But it kept slipping and you were no help. All those shots had caught up with you.

“Okay, here.” Steve grunted, squating. “Get on my back.”

“Huh?” You asked him.

He rolled his eyes, grabbed your hand and pulled you behind him. “I’m gonna carry you. Get on.”

You felt ridiculous as you wrapped your legs around him, arms folded over his shoulders and across his chest. Your body was numb but you felt his fingers melting into your skin as he held your thighs so you wouldn’t fall.

The clerk at the front counter gave you two a funny look as Steve carried you to the room, shaking her head. “I think she thinks we’re gonna have sex.” Your hushed whisper was not much of a whisper. Steve gave an apologetic look to a guest who had gasped, covering the ears of her child.

Steve rummaged through his pockets when he stood in front of the door, pulling out the key. He never put you down until he sat you softly on the bed. You flew backwards, watching how the ceiling fan wobbled. Before you got nauseous you sat up, watching Steve walk up to you with a plastic cup of water and a pill. “I always carry around aspirin when we travel since you get headaches easily.”

You didn’t react. You took the items in his hands carefully, putting the pill in your mouth, drowning it with the water in the cup. When Steve was satisfied, he knelt down, undoing the buckle of your heels. You watched him with burning intent as his hand slid across your ankle, removing the shoe. It sent tiny shivers down your back. He stood back up, catching your eyes briefly before walking over to the pajamas you wore the night before that were on the floor. He picked them up and handed them to you.

“I’ll leave you so you can change.” He turned to go to the bathroom.

“Wait!” You said abruptly. You gave him a sheepish look. “Will you help me?” Your words slurred together but it must have been clear enough that it made Steve swallow hard. He nodded, joining you again.

You twisted your torso, the back of your dress and its zipper facing him. He wasn’t slow pulling it down and maybe that was for the best. You weren’t sure how much longer you could hide the goosebumps across your body. You were able to pull the dress off your body by yourself. However, you needed help again, unable to unhook your bra. You were facing him, eyes pleading for help. He took a deep breath, reaching behind you, looking up as he swiftly unlatched the bra with one hand. He turned away from looking as you slipped on a big shirt.

Steve grabbed the plastic cup you had set on the nightstand, filled it up with more water, and set it back down. “You should go to sleep.”

He leaned you down on the bed, slipping the comforter out from under you so he could cover you.

“Lay with me?” You asked him when he went to walk away.

His jaw slacked. His eyes fell somewhere else, soft and hesitant. “Depends, will sober you still want me to be there in the morning.”

And for the first time, you saw how much pain Steve had been in. Your voice fell below a whisper. “Sober me never wanted you to leave”

Steve never got under the covers or changed his clothes. He told you he would only lay with you until you fell asleep. You had woken up in the middle of the night, head aching like tiny screws being drilled into your brain. Your eyes opened slowly to see Steve was still laying there, his arm under the pillow, facing you. His eyes were closed. You decided to take another drink of your water before turning over again, burrowing your head in his chest.

If you had woken him up, he didn’t say anything. But you felt his arm drape on top of you, bringing you in closer. Maybe it was just a habit he couldn’t break.

91 notes · View notes

icu-now · 30 days

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oh the sweet agony and pain😭😭 i love the way u write angstttt

You Deserve Each Other

steve harrington x afab!reader (32k) Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 warnings: steve and reader are little jerks to one another; 18+ (minors dni) for later parts; swearing summary: You and Steve have been together for five years. He's seemingly the perfect boyfriend, kisses on the cheek, knowing your orders at restaurant. A great lover. Too bad you've had enough can't stand him. a/n: inspired by You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

The morning sunlight snuck through the window, stealing your plans to wake up later. You scrunched up your face, attempting to block out any light, but the effort failed. A soft whine came out of you as you tossed over.

A long breath in, the smell of laundry detergent still clinging to the bed sheets mixed with sea salt and wild cypress. You let your eyes flutter open, waiting for them to adjust, taking in the sight of the shirtless boy laying on his stomach. Soft muffled snores came from him that made the corners of your lips tugged upwards.

You did your routine and counted the freckles on his back as a way to wake yourself up. Twenty-seven. Not including the freckle on his shoulder. But you saved that one for last, always placing a soft kiss before getting out of the bed.

However, you had refrained from doing so for the past month.You rolled out of the bed, leaving your boyfriend sound asleep. You glared at the window, annoyed. You had asked Steve to hang the curtains you bought three days ago. Yet the box was still sitting on the dining table– unopened.

It was Saturday, and all you wanted to do was sleep in until ten. But now you were in the kitchen making breakfast at 8:30 in the morning. The scent of freshly brewed coffee stained the entire apartment. It must have woken up Steve because you heard the bedroom door creak open. His footsteps padded down the hallway.

You felt his presence enter the kitchen, turning around to see him do his morning stretch. He scratched his bare stomach, taking a deep sniff of the aroma. “Mornin’,” he grumbled. His hair hadn’t been brushed, strands sticking up. He rubbed his eyes, squinting at the scenery around him.

“You need to wear your glasses when you don’t have contacts in.” It was always the same. He refused to wear them, and you nagged that he needed to.

He had been prescribed glasses six months ago and loathed them. He said that first it would be the glasses and then next it would turn into bifocals and he wasn’t having it. His ego would be destroyed and that was more important being able to see clearly.

He grunted at the comment, walking over to the coffee pot that had just finished brewing. “You were asleep when I came home last night.”

You didn’t answer right away, trying to pretend the bacon sizzling was too loud. “I tried to call the shop, but it kept going to the answering machine.”

Steve poured the coffee in his #1 Dad mug you gave him as a joke when you first started dating. “Yeah,” he drew in a breath, like he was walking around eggshells, careful to say anything that might ensue an argument. The last thing he wanted to do was start his day arguing. But recently, that’s the only thing you had in common. “Went out to the Hideaway with Ed. He had a hard day. Went to go tow a car and the lady demanded someone else… who hasn’t been a suspected murderer.”

You saw him look at you through the corner of his eye, testing the waters. He knew Eddie Munson was your weakness, and he knew you’d feel like an asshole if you started an argument because of him. So instead, you let out a deep sigh. “That’s fine. But next time call to let me know.”

“I’m sorry. It was last minute.” He took a sip of the coffee.

You made a sound, but didn’t reply. It was a minor silent treatment.

He noticed immediately. “You know this wouldn’t be an issue if we got those mobile phones.”

“Okay, let me know when you have the money to do that.” You gave him a sarcastic smile, teeth and all, and you can see frustration flash in his eyes, like a bolt of lightning.

He’s the one who doesn’t say anything now. But his jaw was clenched. He sat his mug on the counter, the clink against the surface sounded passive aggressive. He turned around to walk away, ending the conversation.

You took in a breath, turning around as well. “Steve, wait.” You licked your lips which suddenly became too dry. “I’m sorry. Today is stressful because I feel like I have a million things to do around the apartment. And then we have that dinner with your parents tonight and you know how nervous they make me.”

Steve had faced her again, his expression softer. He ran his hand through his hair. “No, I’m sorry. You were right. I should’ve called you from the bar.” He stepped closer, putting his hands on your arms, rubbing them up and down to comfort you. “Tell me anything you need me to do today. I’m all yours.” He gave you an assuring smile.

Relaxation washed over you, but his touch somehow felt strange. You gave him a soft smile, regardless. “Can you please put the curtains up? That’s all I ask.”

He rubbed a hand over his face, realizing his mistake. “Yes. Yes. Of course. I’ll get right on it after breakfast.” He placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Which smells absolutely delicious by the way.” He reached out and took a piece of already cooked bacon and shoved it in his mouth. “Mmm, babe you bacon me crazy.”

You scoffed, nudging his chest playfully. “Do you have a bad joke for everything?” You continued to cook the rest of the food.

“You’re the one who has been dating me for five years, shouldn’t you know that already?” He teased and snaked his arms around you.

You were glad how he couldn’t see the sad expression on your face. You slipped from his grasp, playing it off as getting spices for the scrambled eggs. He seemed slightly hurt, but brushed it off and decided to pour himself a new cup of coffee instead.

You both had finished your breakfast when the phone rang. Steve was the one who answered it as you took the dishes to the sink to wash them. “Hey, man.” He was hushed, like he didn’t want you to hear. But you could. “Come on. What about David?” Steve looked over at you. “Listen man, I can’t today. I know. I know. But…” His silence was loud. The “but” was you.

You turned off the water to sink. “Just go.”

Steve’s mouth fell agape, covering the mouth of the receiver. “Sweetheart, it’s fine they need to learn that I can’t come to their rescue all the time.”

You strode over, taking the phone out of his hands. “He’ll be down in thirty minutes.” You hung up the phone and gave him a pointed look.

He avoided your eyes, looking over somewhere behind you. “I don’t have to go.”

Yes he did, because his shop was like a mother with her first child. One minor bump, and it’s like it’s the end of the world. You wouldn’t say that to him though. “You do have to go or we both know the shop is going to be hell next week.”

“Sweetheart-“

You stopped him. “Just be home in time to go to your parent’s together. You know your mother freaks out when we show up in separate vehicles.” It was fake, but you gave him a sweet kiss on his cheek and went back to washing the dishes.

Steve stood still, wondering if he should do something before he left. His eyes wandered to the box with the unhung curtains. He had to break his promise for the fourth time and it killed him. Nonetheless, he retreated back into the room to get ready for work.

***

H&M Auto Repair was Steve’s most prized possession. Three years ago him and Eddie had one too many special brownies that Argyle had baked. They ended up laying in soggy wet grass outside of Eddie’s cabin. They didn’t know their friends had been looking for them for thirty minutes. But they were there, reminiscing when the stars used to look bigger.

It was Steve who asked Eddie if he could do anything, what would it be.

And it was Eddie who answered that he had wanted to fix cars.

So Steve told him, “Fuck it, let’s start an autoshop. Harrington and Munson Auto Repair.”

Eddie’s eyes were pitch black but somehow widened bigger. “I don’t think the residents of Hawkins are ready for Eddie Munson to be the face of a business.”

“Then we’ll name it H&M!” Steve argued back, not allowing his friend to make an excuse.

Eddie blankly stared at Steve who had a stupid grin on his face. “But what about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do you really want to do?”

Steve’s smile turned bashful, grinning. “I want to marry her.” Eddie noticed the adoring look Steve made when he looked back towards the cabin. “I’m gonna make sure she doesn’t have to worry about anything.”

And Steve thought three years later that would be the case. He’d be married to you, living in whatever dream house you wanted. And maybe, just maybe, he’d convince you to start a family.

But instead, he was only scraping by, living in a dingy apartment. And he really wasn’t sure if you really wanted to be with him anymore.

He sauntered inside his office after having to help his workers. Two of them had called out sick, and there was only so much Eddie could do. He sighed loudly, getting him a cup of water.

Eddie stomped in, his face covered in soot. He opened the mini refrigerator, grabbing a beer out, popping the tab against the edge of Steve’s desk, the cap rolling somewhere in the room. He sat in the rolling chair on the other side, exhausted.

Steve flipped through the finance book, shaking his head, and squinting because he had left his glasses at home.

“Need a beer?” Eddie leaned over in a stance that would let him get up easily.

Steve wanted to say yes. He rubbed a hand over his face, looking up at the clock above the office door. He closed the finance book and pushed away from the desk, rolling a bit while looking up at the ceiling. “No, I can’t. I need to go or my girlfriend is going to kill me.”

Eddie wiggled his brows. “Ah. I forgot. It’s the big dinner with mom and pops today. You nervous?”

Steve pretended not to know what he was talking about. “Why would I? We’ve had dinner with them before.”

Eddie snorted, taking a long sip. “But this dinner you’re going to ask your dad for the ring.”

Steve looked at the ceiling fan above him. It was turned off but he could see the built up dust. “We should hire a secretary.”

“No no no. You’re changing the subject.” Eddie set the beer bottle on the table. He reached behind him and tightened his ponytail. “Which makes me believe Lord Harrington is nervous about being betrothed to his fair maiden.” It was only a matter of time for Eddie to break out into dramatics. He always did when it came to romantics.

Steve grumbled, standing up from his chair. It was so unlike him to be so passionless when it came to the subject of marriage. Before, he’d blush and stumble over his words because he couldn’t contain his feelings. Now, it only felt like he had to marry her. It seemed right because after five years, what else was there to do?

Life seemed so stagnant. He hoped popping the question would change that. Steve looked out the window of his shop. He could see Eddie’s Uncle outside with another one of his workers, Bill Higgins, smoking cigarettes, waiting for their next task of the day. Hawkins had been in a long recovery process since Vecna, but Steve hated to admit he missed feeling needed.

“Why don’t we call it a day? I’ll set up the answering machine and put a sign out that we closed early.” Steve shimmied off his work vest, placing it on a hook.

Eddie rolled his eyes at his friend’s indifference. He tilted his head, trying to make out what was behind the blank look as he gathered his belongings. “Alright, just let me know on Monday how everything goes.” He plopped his hands on his legs loudly, pushing himself up.

He then picked up the half-drunk beer, chugging the rest before tossing it in the bin. He was about to walk out until he looked back, mouth open to say something else. He decided against it when Steve was already messing with the answering machine. He looked up at Eddie, giving him a flat smile and waved goodbye.

***

Steve watched as you bounced your leg up and down, chewing on your bottom lip. “Sweetheart, the pie is going to fall on the floorboard.” He placed his hand on your knee. Which only made things worse because you jumped in the seat. “Woah.”

You let out a shaky breath, gripping the apple pie you had made earlier that day. “Right, don’t want your precious floorboard to be ruined.” It was only a joke, but it came across as passive aggressive.

“Really? You want to start an argument right now?” Steve noticed a couple of rain drops on his windshield. He wondered if there was an umbrella still in the back.

You closed your eyes. “It was a joke.”

“Didn’t sound like one.” He shot back.

“It’s not my fault that your parents make me nervous.” You recalled the first time meeting them. His mom called you Nancy three times by “accident”, and five years later it still felt like she was comparing the two of you. Hell, she was probably comparing anyone Steve has been involved with to you.

Steve clenched the steering wheel. “Not my fault either.”

You almost had to bite your tongue. “Never said it was.”

“My parents like you. How many times do I have to tell you that?” He looked at you briefly, almost forgetting to turn right.

You laid your head on the headrest, groaning loudly.“I don’t really want to talk about it right now, Steve.”

“When do you ever want to talk about it?” His voice had risen, and you noticed the vein on his neck protruding. Rarely did you ever see it appear, only when he was agitated from work or when Dustin was around. You had pursed your lips, fighting back tears. He noticed immediately. He sighed and in a calmer voice spoke again, “Hey, I’m sorry… I’m on edge too.” He didn’t explain why. But he knew you’d come up with your own conclusions. “Can we just listen to music and not talk the rest of the way there?”

You didn’t say anything, just nodded, still upset. You reached over and turned on the radio, tuning out the melody drifting from the speakers. You felt him give your knee a squeeze. You wanted to pull it away out of protest, but that could possibly lead to more tension. So instead, you played the part of good girlfriend, slipping your hand in his.

For a brief second you felt at ease. His palm burning into yours, making your stomach twist like the first time you had held his hand. His hands had become more tough because of his work at the shop. You remember when it had first opened and you kept getting scratched by the calluses that formed. He would chase you around the apartment, trying to tease you by touching your bare skin. You smiled.

The Harrington household had not changed over the past five years. It was still big and enveloped by cedar trees, taunting the rest of the town. The only damage to their house from the earthquake was a crack in the pool.

You sat next to Steve at the big oak table in the dining room of his parent’s house. The surface was so glossy you could see your own reflection. Mrs. Harrington smiled at you, setting down a large bowl of chicken stew. She gave herself a tiny clap, beaming. “Connie! Dinner is ready.” She called out to Mr. Harrington who was in the kitchen on the phone.

The three of you sat awkwardly as you waited for Steve’s dad to come into the dining room. When he did, he grunted in lieu of a greeting. Only smiling when he saw the fresh food steaming on the table. He sat at the end, tucking his napkin on his lap.

It was quiet at first. Mrs. Harrington had made her husband’s plate and then her own. She frowned when Steve had made his own plate, but kept the comment to herself. “This is delicious, Mrs. Harrington.” You were the one to break the ice.

She smiled, thanking her and then looking at the two men who were eating like it was their last day on earth. Steve had a mouthful of a buttery roll, smiling at his mom. He swallowed. “Yeah, this is great, Mom.”

Mrs. Harrington tsked and shook her head. “My poor son. I noticed you were a bit thin. Have you been eating properly?” She glanced at you.

“Stop pestering the boy, Martha. He looks fine. He’s been working hard, that’s all. The numbers at the shop have been doing great the past three months.” Mr. Harrington patted Steve aggressively on the shoulder. “I guess my investment wasn’t a complete waste, was it?”

Steve awkwardly chuckled. “Guess not.” He looked down at his food, hiding the sad expression.

Empathic, you slipped your hand underneath the table, placing it on his thigh, sending a silent comforting message. He received it because he looked at you through the corner of his eye, a half-hearted smile on his face.

Mr. Harrington then turned his attention towards you. He had always had a sweet spot for you, making sure you were having a good time. “How has your first semester as a teacher been?”

You grinned. “Great! It is a little strange to be working with teachers who have taught me. I’m hoping they move me to the high school next year.”

He pointed his spoon at you. “Anyone would be lucky to have you as a teacher. I bet if you had been Steve’s he would’ve done a lot better in school. Hell, I would’ve too.” Mr. Harrington’s laugh was so obnoxiously loud that it shook your glass of chardonnay.

“Conrad!”

“Dad!”

Mr. Harrington looked between his wife and son, unsure what he had said wrong. He held up his hands defensively.

You laughed, changing the subject. “Well, I did tutor him. He’s a lot smarter than he leads on.”

Steve blushed at your comment.

“I remember when you had excellent grades whenever you were with Nancy.” His mother chimed in. It was like she was holding a fully loaded gun, cocked and ready since the beginning and had finally found the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger.

You kept your composure, still smiling, although you were metaphorically bleeding out. “I think that’s because she promised him favors if he did well. Where I decided to hold him accountable to do his work.” The fire slipped through your teeth.

Steve’s expression faltered, eyes wide.

She scoffed, looking at her husband. “Accountable? He nearly had to retake his senior year.”

“Because he was going through stuff.” You couldn’t let her have the last word. “Maybe if you had been home more you would’ve seen that.”

Mrs. Harrington scowled, her nose flared. And for a second you felt as if you had finally won the battle. However, she sat up straighter in her chair and cleared her throat. “If I remember correctly, Steve wanted to marry Nancy two weeks after being with her. Yet, here you are… five years later.” She glanced at your bare hand, not needing to say more.

She smiled in satisfaction, taking a sip of her wine as you looked down at your hand, slipping it in your lap. You looked over at your boyfriend who was avoiding any eye contact. It was always the same, never taking your side. You angrily threw your napkin on the table and pushed yourself away from the table. The legs of the chair screeched against the hardwood floor, making the two older Harrington’s cringe.

You glared at Steve, giving him one more chance to say something.

Anything.

You scoffed in disbelief. Tears pricked your eyes. “Enjoy the fucking pie.” You turned around, storming out of the dining room.

Steve looked at his mother, “Really?”

She only shrugged, unashamed.

He took a deep breath in before also scooting his chair back, standing up. As he was about to walk out to follow you, he turned back around. “Tonight was important to me.” His voice was full of disappointment.

“Steve…” His mother closed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

He didn’t give her a response.

You were already inside the car. Rain was plummeting down, bouncing on the sidewalk. The droplets soaked into his sweater, and he cursed not grabbing that umbrella from the back of his car earlier. He opened the door and hurriedly climbed in.

You didn’t give him a chance to say anything. “I don’t want to talk to you. Just drive.”

He did exactly as he was told and only drove. This time there was no music. No tears. It was only the sound of the windshield wipers and pitter patter of rain against the roof of the car. The silence between you, however, was louder than both of those things.

Not once did he feel you glance at him either. You stared straight ahead, arms crossed, chest moving up and down like you were trying to control yourself. Your expression was unreadable, and if it weren’t for your flared nostrils, he wouldn’t have known you were furious.

He pulled into the parking lot of the apartment, your car door had already opened and slammed shut by the time he had turned off the ignition. He had to jog to keep up with you, afraid you might get inside the apartment first and deadbolt it.

But you didn’t. In fact, you had kept the door open behind you.

As soon as you heard him close it, all hell broke loose. “Why didn’t you defend me?”

He sighed, turning around. “I was in shock.”

You laughed, except you didn’t really think it was funny. “But you always do that. You always let her get away with saying those terrible things. And you always make up excuses.”

“You weren’t saying the nicest things either.” He recognized his mistake as soon as it came off his tongue.

Your eyes flared, glassy and wide. “You will never understand, will you? Every single time I see her, it always feels like a test.” You gasped with realization. “And… oh my god… I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.” You threw your hands up in the air, as if you had had a breakthrough. An epiphany. “I fucking hate it!”

Steve held out his hands, trying to calm you down. “Sweetheart, of course I understand. I feel the same way when it comes to my dad. This dinner was important to me-”

But you weren’t listening. “I think we should break up.”

And suddenly it felt like Steve had forgotten how to speak. He had wondered if had heard you correctly. Or if you had misspoke. “Huh?” His bottom lip started to quiver. “You want to…” He couldn’t finish the sentence.

“Look at us, Steve. Neither one of us is happy. All we do is argue. I don’t even remember the last time we’ve had sex.” You rang your hands together and bit your bottom lip. “I mean don’t you think if we really wanted to spend the rest of our lives together we would be married by now?”

Steve had suppressed a sob at the back of his throat. He walked past you, running his hands through his hair, panicking. He caught sight of the box still on the table. “Is it about the curtains? I can hang them up right now.”

You started to cry. “Steve, it isn’t about the curtains.”

“Then what is it? Don’t give me that we’re unhappy bullshit.” He choked, tears fell down his face.

You wept, looking away from him because it was harder to think to say out loud. “But we are! We’re miserable. And I feel so lonely, Steve. Even when you’re here. Do you not feel it? Can’t you see we’re not in love any more?”

The air was unbearable to him. The remaining life he had in him had been sucked out. His heart had dropped and he wondered if he was still alive. He felt like he was in that bathroom at the Halloween party all over again. He had almost forgotten how those words shattered his entire being in less than a second. “Okay.”

You furrowed your brows. “Okay?”

Steve looked around at the apartment, taking it all in, remembering everything. “Yeah, okay.”

You wiped your face unsure what to say. He locked eyes with you one final time. His honey colored irises shattered. It made you want to run up and envelope him in a hug, telling him you were only kidding. But your feet betrayed you, too afraid, and too stupid to move from where you were. He took his car keys out of his pocket, clutching them hard enough you could see his knuckles turn white.

He gave you a curt nod. And he left like he was a stranger.

***

Eddie Munson lived with his Uncle Wayne fifteen minutes outside of Hawkins. Their cabin was tucked away in the woods and you could only get there by an unmarked dirt road off the highway towards Indianapolis.

The government had given them hush money when the trailer park had been destroyed, along with settlement money from a defamation of character lawsuit against the town of Hawkins. Wayne thought it was best to use the opportunity to get out of Hawkins, but Eddie wanted to stay, having finally found people who had accepted him.

They rarely had any visitors besides wildlife. So it came to much of a surprise when Eddie and Wayne were at the dining table playing poker, they heard a sharp knock on the front door. Eddie was the one who answered, eyes furrowed when he saw none other than Steve standing there.

His hair was drenched, clinging to his forehead and in his eyes. He was breathing rapidly, and his eyes were blood stained. He didn’t even greet Eddie. He stormed past him, dragging water inside.

He went straight to the kitchen, ignoring the hello Wayne had given him. He opened the refrigerator, grabbed a beer, popped the tab, put the top to his mouth, and threw his head back to take a large swig. The two Munsons gave one another a look and turned their focus back to Steve who had let out a sigh of relief, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth.

“Am I a good boyfriend?” Steve finally spoke, looking at Eddie.

The long haired boy blinked trying to process what Steve had just asked. He looked over at his uncle, silently asking what to say. But Wayne was already standing, putting his hands up. “I think it’s time for me to call it a night.”

As Wayne walked out, Eddie silently muttered, “Asshole.” He looked back at Steve. “What happened?”

Steve shook his head, taking another sip. “Five years. Five years and this is how it all ends. Would you marry me after five years?”

“Woah there, lover boy. You need to take me on a date first before we start talking about marriage.” Eddie smirked. Steve wasn’t impressed, blowing a puff of frustration through his nose. He finished his beer, opening the refrigerator to get another one. Eddie registered that whatever had happened was serious. “Hey, what happened? Did dinner not go well?”

Steve laughed. A full guttural laugh, almost manically, like he had snapped. It went on for a minute, slowly fading out, turning into a sob. He looked up at Eddie, broken, shaking his head. “It’s over.”

Eddie wasn’t sure what to say. Sure he knew they had been squabbling for a few months now, but he hadn’t realized it was that bad. He refrained from asking about the ring or if he had even gotten that far. He had never seen Steve so dejected and erratic. He felt bad for him. So he did what Steve had done for him five years ago when his life had turned into shit. He offered a hand, giving him a place to stay for the night.

Three days later, Robin burst through the cabin door. “Where is he?”

Eddie greeted her, his face full of relief. “Thank god, Buckley.” He motioned for her to follow, leading her to the guest room. “Wasn’t sure you were gonna show.” He admitted.

“I knew it was bad if you were begging me to come.” Robin was right, her and Eddie had a… complicated friendship. They had nothing in common, always bickering about music and how to live life. Eddie had been just as relieved as Robin when she had decided to attend Ohio University, three hours away from Hawkins, only coming down every other weekend. So for him to call her for help meant it was urgent. “I didn’t beg.”

She hummed, opening the door to the guest room, cringing at the pathetic sight. Steve was dramatically sprawled face down on the bed, only wearing his boxers.

“Jesus…”

“I know,” he whispered. “Uncle Wayne and the others have been covering for us and I’ve held it off as long as I could, but I need to go back today. Except, I’m afraid to leave him alone.”

Robin rolled her eyes. “You baby him.”

“Hey! He’s heartbroken, I’ve never seen him so…” He waved his hand, trying to find the word.

“Miserable? Pathetic? Pitiful?.” Robin suggested.

He snapped, pointing at her. “Yes!”

“You two are loud.” Steve grumbled, shifting to look over his shoulder.

Robin looked at Eddie, motioning for him to go. Her expression let him know she can handle it.

He put his hand on her shoulder. “Good luck.”

Robin leaned against the door frame, raising her brows. Steve made a raspberry, plopping his head back on the pillow. “I’m fine.” His words were muffled, but still loud enough for her to hear.

“Fine, my ass. Steve, you look worse than summer of 85’.” She entered the room, clothes scattered the floor, but none of them looked like anything Steve would wear. She kicked a Def Leppard tee out of her way. She opened the blinds, letting sunlight wash the room. The manchild on the bed groaned, mumbling incoherent profanities.

Robin nudged his shoulder. “Get up dingus.”

“Let me die here.” He looked up at her. “Alone.”

She hit him with a pillow. “Stop being dramatic. Your girlfriend broke up with you, it’s not the end of the world.”

He narrowed his eyes. “How’s Vickie?”

She smiled, not taking the bait. “Nice try, bud.” It was a staring match, a battle, and whoever blinks first, would lose and do whatever the winner asked. Steve held his eyes open as long as he could, but he had tried too hard, they began to dry and he felt his eyelids droop down. Robin smiled in victory. “Get up.”

“Why?” He still wouldn’t budge.

“Because you’re taking advantage of Eddie’s hospitality. And I drove three hours straight to get here, missing one of my favorite classes. And I’m tired of seeing you look like a talking corpse.” She poked him in the side, his kryptonite. “Get up and get dressed.”

He flinched, giving her a dirty look, sitting up. “Fine.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Jesus, take a shower too.”

He flipped her off as she left the room so he could get ready.

Steve hadn’t been out in public the entirety he had gone rogue. Small town life meant being recognized and greeted by all of Hawkins. But today, he was irritated by everything and everyone. He hoped his ray bans would disguise him enough to not be approachable.

Robin, who had finally gotten her license four years ago, was the one to drive them to Kitty’s Cafe. It was a fairly new spot, but they had the best burgers in all of Indiana. She was not going to miss the chance to have one before she went back to school tomorrow.

Steve picked a booth far in the back, hiding his figure behind the oversized menus. Robin snapped at him, pushed the menu down, yanked his sunglasses off, and scolded him to stop acting juvenile. He went back to sulking, crossing his arms. Silently deciding not to eat in protest of being dragged there.

After ordering her food, Robin allowed the silence to brew, letting Steve grumpily stare at the wall next to him. She took a sip of her Dr. Pepper. It had all been tough love to get him out of Eddie’s cabin. But now, she was able to empathize, feeling the grief he was holding. She reached over and grabbed his hand. “Do you want to talk about it?”

For the first time in three days he had relaxed, shoulders dropping, his vulnerable state peeking from the stony appearance he had been carrying. He swallowed the thickness, like molasses, in his throat. “I- I think I fucked up.”

“Why do you say that?” She slipped her hand away, but not in anger. She knew he trusted her.

He put his face in his hands. “It doesn’t matter.”

She still didn’t understand. “There’s been so many times that she threatened to break up with you for being an asshole. Can you not sweet talk yourself out of it? Give her flowers or whatever you did to convince her to be with you for five years.” Robin had never beaten around the bush. She was a senior in college and it had turned her more rational, and as irritating as it was to others, it also kept them grounded.

Steve frowned, feeling that slight pull back to the ground by her words. Except one fact that there were no flowers or sweet talk that could fix the problem. “She doesn’t love me anymore.” He went quiet, regretting that he was too stubborn to order food.

If Robin had another opinion on the matter, she didn’t say it. “Do you still love her?”

He was taken aback, leaning over in the seat, tapping his finger against the table. “Robin, I was going to propose. Of course I love her.”

There was a beat of silence as their waitress put Robin’s food on the table. She thanked her and poked her burger. “Does she know that?”

Steve’s mouth fell agape, speechless. His body drifted backwards, back hitting the cushioned booth. “Well… I… how could she not?”

“Men,” Robin whispered under her breath. “What are you going to do then? Move back in with your parents?”

“Why would I do that?” He reached over and stole one of her fries.

She pulled her plate closer to her, out of his reach. “Because you can’t live with your ex. It’s weird.”

“You only say that because Nance still lives with Byers and she tells you everything.”

She flicked her eyes elsewhere. She swallowed another sip of her drink. “Then where will you go?”

Steve pondered for a moment. He hated that she was right. If this was a real breakup, he couldn’t live with you. He sure as hell wouldn’t move back in with parents. His only option was Eddie, and he had already overstayed his welcome. “I’m not leaving. She’s the one who broke up with me.”

Robin laughed in his face. “You really think she, of all people, will let you kick her out?” She laughed again, clutching her stomach.

He narrowed his eyes. “My name is on the lease. I have just the right to be there.”

“Steve,” she warned him.

“You know, I think I have a right to stay because I was there first.”

“Oh my god.” Robin dropped her head. She didn’t like the manic tune in his voice.

“Don’t worry, Buckley. I’m not gonna kick her out.” His smile was painted with mischief. “I’m going to make her feel so miserable living there that she’s gonna want out.”

Robin wasn’t sure if she should laugh or be worried about Steve's plan. It sounded ridiculous and implausible to turn out how he wanted it to end. “Is your sudden retaliation a defense to her breaking up with you?”

Steve put his hand up. “No, you’re not doing that psychological bullshit on me.”

“That ‘psychological bullshit’ helps.”

Robin was passionate about psychology and she always casually attempted to dissect Steve’s mind. Much to his disdain. However, he hated to admit that he secretly meditated on whatever she had to say, eventually. But it was not that day. His mind was flooded with confusion, hurt, and anger.

He had tried to remember the past five years and pinpoint when the relationship started to tarnish. He had missed the crack, apparently, because it was like an avalanche, unexpected and now he was trapped, trying to figure out how he had gotten there. It was frustrating because everything he had done was for you. Did you forget that?

***

You had had a long day. You loved to teach, but middle schoolers were exhausting. It seemed like although they were just kids, they were bored of it and wanted to act like adults. You wondered if your mother had thought of you that way. You had hoped not.

You walked into the empty apartment. It was always normal to be the one to come

home first. But the silence was almost deafening. You let out a heavy sigh, placing your purse on the counter. It was to fill the air with something other than the fire alarm that needed a change of batteries.

It was only Tuesday, but it somehow felt like a Monday masked with another name. You sauntered into your bedroom, stripping bare from your work clothes. Who knew taking it off would feel relieving.

You remember days like this when Steve would come home and see that tired expression on your face, he’d force you to take a shower. You decided to do that, letting hot water stream down your back. You had hoped it would ease your muscles, but a few minutes had gone by and they still felt pinched.

You remembered it wasn’t the shower itself that had washed away the tightness in your back. It was because he would join you. He would start massaging your neck, slowly working any knots out all the way to your shoulders.

Nothing about it was sexual or dirty. He would ask you to talk about your day, placing soft kisses on your wet skin, hugging you from behind, promising to one day get you a house with a bathtub. And it helped, because it was Steve.

But now you were in the shower alone. Staring at the tiles on the wall fogging from the excessive heat, unable to reach your back. And all you wanted to do was cry.

However, your moment of solitude was short lived. You jumped and nearly slipped when the door to the bathroom slammed open. Your mind raced with thoughts on how you survived years of monsters but it would be being murdered as your way of going out.

In shock, you closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the knife that would soon slice you open.

It took you a minute to realize that whoever it was had not pushed the curtain aside yet. You looked down at your body and couldn't see any open wounds or blood. Your brows furrowed when you heard a small stream that wasn’t the shower.You slowly peeked behind the curtain, gasping at the unbelievable sight in front of you.

“What the hell, Steve?” You shouted at him.

He didn’t jump or acknowledge the fury you shot at him. He just stood in front of the toilet. Taking a piss. When he finished he finally looked over his shoulder at you. “Sorry, I didn’t know how long you were gonna be and I really needed to go.”

You laughed in disbelief. “So you barge in here with no announcement? I thought you were a killer!”

Steve zipped his pants, fully turning around. His arms were crossed against his chest. He was wearing the same clothes the last time you had seen him, and the hair above his lip had grown out into small wisps. At least he looked like he had taken a shower recently.

“Why did you think I was a killer?”

You clutched the shower curtain tighter, because all of a sudden it felt wrong for him to see you naked. “You haven’t been home in three days. How should I have known who it was?”

A beat went by.

“You’re wasting water just standing in there.” He flushed the toilet and exited the bathroom.

You yelped in surprise when the water turned cold. It was like icicles piercing your back. You quickly shut off the water and tied your blue cotton robe around your body. You found Steve in the kitchen, rummaging through the refrigerator. “What the hell is your problem?”

“Hm?” He picked up a brand new container of milk. Twisting the cap off, he brought it to his lips and took a long swig from it. He smirked when he brought it down from his lips, wiping the liquid with the back of his hand, finally looking at you with pointedness.

Your mouth fell. You were in disbelief. “You’re doing it on purpose, aren’t you?”

Steve belched, putting the milk back where it belonged. “I don’t know what you mean.” “You’re purposely trying to piss me off.”

“Are you saying I’m pissing you off?” His face fell. And for a split second you thought he felt guilty. Until he smiled. “Good.”

You were at a loss for words, watching as he walked over to the couch, sprawling his body on it, his shoes still on his feet. You tried not to go over and rip them off of him. “Why are you here?”

He put his hands behind his head. “I live here, remember?”

“Yes, but… we… it’s weird.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“So, you came to get your stuff?”

Steve chuckled, shimmying deeper into the cushions. “Nope.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “We both can’t live here.”

“I agree.”

You were flabbergasted. You knew Steve was stubborn and sometimes difficult, but not once had you seen him act so defiant. “You are such a child.” He didn’t answer. You took a deep breath in, holding the frustration bubbling inside you. You were sure that’s what he wanted to happen. You were not going to play his game. “I’m not leaving either.”

He shot up. “Then what’s the point in breaking up if neither one of us wants to leave?”

You looked away, avoiding his gaze because you didn’t want him to be right. “It’s more than that.”

“Right.” He threw his hands up. “I completely forgot about you not being in love with me anymore. I guess you and Nancy do have something in common.”

You could tell he was trekking in dangerous territory on purpose. The one insecurity you had, even after being with him for five years, was her. And it wasn’t like you and Nancy weren’t friends, or that she ever made passes at him. But she was the only girl he had ever had a serious relationship with before you got together. It was intimidating. “You’re an asshole.”

He scoffed, narrowing his eyes at you. “Yeah, well at least Nancy wasn’t a bitch.”

You had fought a 7-foot demogorgon before, but nothing hurt worse than the words that came out of his mouth. It was like his tongue was loaded with tiny spears, hitting you all over. You noticed how he immediately felt guilty. His face was softer, and he called out your name in an apologetic tone.

You, however, closed your eyes and took a deep breath. “Fuck you.” You pivoted and stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door, locking it with an aggressive click.

Steve must have been not too far behind you, he wiggled the handle, knocking frantically. “C’mon sweetheart. I’m sorry. Please open the door so we can talk about it.”

You almost did as he asked, your hand hovering the lock. You laid your forehead against the frame, fighting back a sob. “N-no.”

“Please.” He begged you. “Please.” His voice was weak and cracked.

“I don’t want to see you right now,” you spat. He didn’t know it, but if you did open the door you’d engulf him in your arms, asking him where it all went wrong. “I can’t stand you.”

The door fell silent. You stepped backwards, watching as his shadow paced back and forth in front of the door. He finally turned off the light and you could faintly hear him settle on the couch. You swallowed, walking to the bed, which now seemed way too big. You fell backwards on it, grabbed a pillow and screamed into it.

You weren’t sure when you had finally gone to sleep. You kept tossing and turning. Your mind wouldn’t stop shouting at you. And any time you had closed your eyes all you could hear was Steve’s words. You flopped over in the bed, looking at the empty space, scoffing to yourself. If he was going to act like an asshole, then so be it.

Steve Harrington was not going to win. You would make him feel so miserable living in the apartment he would be the one begging to leave. By the end of the week he would have his bags packed, hustling out of the room. And even though you don’t remember the time you finally had shut your eyes, you remembered the wicked smile that lifted at the corners of your mouth.

***

Steve woke up to the smell of dark coffee infiltrating his nose. He opened his eyes slowly, stretching his body. It ached from the uncomfortable couch. He sat up slowly, rubbing his neck.

He looked over at the chair in the corner, his mouth fell agape. You sat crossed legged, reading a book and drinking something out of a mug. You were only wearing a big t-shirt, the hem riding up your thigh.

For a moment, he wanted to spring from the couch and carry you to the bedroom, but he remembered why he had been on the couch in the first place.

You looked up from your book, smiling sweetly. “Good morning.”

He cleared his throat, looking somewhere else. “Uh-huh.”

You smirked, closing the book. “I made coffee.”

Steve looked over at you again. His brows were knitted together, clearly confused. He wondered if you had thought over everything last night. He stood up, walking to the pot of coffee slowly, occasionally looking over his shoulder, feeling you watch him. He grabbed a mug and picked up the pot, frowning. “It’s empty.”

You sucked in your teeth. “Yes.”

Steve set the pot down. “You said you made coffee?”

“Yes.”

“But there’s none in here.”

You raised your mug. “All I said was that I made coffee. Not that I made you coffee.”

Steve faced the wall, closing his eyes. He was right. You had thought over everything and clearly you hadn’t changed your mind. Instead of giving into your morning antic, he opened the cabinet to get what he needed to brew a new pot. He frowned when he saw the usual spot where the coffee sat was empty.

You made a noise which resembled the mix between a gasp and a giggle. You joined him by the counter. “I’m sorry! Forgot to mention I used it all.” You gave him your best apologetic smile, but Steve could smell your bullshit.

“You hate coffee.” He glanced over at you, hoping you didn’t see him look at your bare legs.

You scrunched your lips playfully, looking at the mug in your hand. “Guess not anymore.” You brought it to your lips, sipping loudly.

He noticed the small cringe of disgust flash across your face when you swallowed. You had really come to win the war. He gave you a toothy smile. He still wasn’t going to give in. “That’s alright. I’ll make myself a coffee once I get to the shop. I can pick up some more on my way home. Do you need anything?” It was a domestic question that people in real relationships asked each other. Except Steve was unsure if you were even friends.

Your own sarcastic smile never faltered. “I’m good.”

He stood there a moment, glowering at you. His gaze flickered towards the clock, seeing that you only had an hour before you had to leave. You noticed his shift, and looked behind you to see what he had been looking at. He took the opportunity and sprinted to the bathroom. He could hear your quick footsteps behind him, but he had been successful, locking you out.

He didn’t need to spend thirty minutes in the bathroom. But that’s how long it took for the hot water to run out in the shower. He stood leaned against the wall, watching the mirror fog from the steam filling the room, not once stepping under the running water.

He spent the time trying to imagine your expression once he opened the door. He knew you liked being on time. In fact, you always made sure the two of you showed up thirty minutes early to everything you were invited to.

He wasn’t sure if it was anxiety or you hated the idea of leaving a bad impression on people. Truthfully, he never saw the difference. The two of you always showed up to his parent’s house early, and his mother still treated you the way she did.

He ran his hand under the water, satisfied with the coolness. He turned it off and walked out of the bathroom. You were sitting at the edge of the bed, arms crossed, jaw clenched. You looked up, scanning him up and down, taking note that he was dry from head to toe.

If you were furious, you didn’t show it. You smiled. “Enjoy yourself?”

He noticed how you were already dressed. Even your hair was styled in a neat manner. He didn’t take into account that last night you had already taken a shower. He felt like he was three moves behind in this unexpected and unspoken war the two of you were in. It was like you had been masterminding it subconsciously and he didn’t know it.

It felt like he didn’t know a lot of your plans recently. For example, your plan on breaking up with him.

He watched you walk into the bathroom, leaving the door wide open because all you had left to do was brush your teeth. Once you finished you looked at the watch on your wrist. He had given it to you on your second year anniversary. It was dainty and on the back it had his initials. You smiled to yourself. “Look at that. I have time to spare.”

You left the room, a new sway to your hips he had never seen before. He wanted to pout and kick out his frustration. But if he did, you’d have more time to think what to do next.

It felt silly acting like this all because of an apartment where the pipes groan in the middle of the night. The walls are thin so he can hear the neighbors. The paint was chipped and peeling because it had been built in the 70s, and no one had taken the time to refurbish it. Yet, it felt like his duty to stand guard.

But you knew the weakest spots in his armor. You knew where to exactly punch. And that’s why after you had been long gone to work, he couldn’t find his car keys.

At first, he thought he must have misplaced them when he rushed in last night. Maybe he had laid them in a spot that they normally don’t lay in. But when the sunlight bled through the window, reflecting a shiny glimmer on the kitchen table, Steve groaned.

They were a pair of car keys. They were not his.

His car had always been off-limits. Only in case of emergencies. And he wasn’t aware of any urgent matters at the moment.

He thought about driving to the school, parking in the furthest spot from the front door, and exchanging their keys. That plan was scratched when he turned on the car and noticed the gas gauge was a hairline away from being empty. He was always getting onto her by waiting until the last minute to get gas.

He ignored it as it yelled at him to be fed and drove to work.

When he pulled into his reserved parking spot, he grumbled obscenities when his employees had confused looks on their faces when they saw him climb out. He slammed the car door, looking at them, scowling. “Get back to work.”

They hadn’t even opened yet. But they were scared, and obliged by messing with random tools in the work shed. He swore he saw David take the broom and sweep the walls.

He stormed inside his office, going straight to the coffee maker. He didn’t have to look behind him when he heard the door open. He knew it was Eddie. They must have forced him to check on the boss.

It was silent at first. He just watched as Steve aggressively prepared the coffee maker. “Nice ride, Harrington.” He couldn’t hold it in any longer, snickering.

Steve wanted to snap around and strangle his friend. Exactly what you wanted him to do. Instead, he took a deep breath. “Yeah.” He stepped back, grabbing his vest off the hook.

“How’d things go last night? Robin said you were a bit…” He waved his hand trying to find the word. He didn’t finish. Steve wasn’t listening to him. “Is everything okay, dude?”

Steve opened a drawer with paper coffee cups, pouring himself a fresh batch. He didn’t even wait for it to cool down before taking a sip. “How hard is it to wire a car so that when you press the brakes the horn goes off.”

“Uh-”

“Ooh, even better. Is it possible to make it where reverse goes in drive and drive goes in reverse. Or is that too dangerous?” Steve turned around, taking another sip of his coffee. Internally cringing because it was nowhere good as yours. His eyes were serious and somehow innocent.

Eddie scratched his head, his curls bouncing because he hadn’t put his hair up yet. “Listen man, I don’t know whatever is going on between you and the misses, but I’d rather not get roped into it. Especially if it involves me potentially going back to jail.”

He frowned. Eddie had ruined his next move in your game. Lesson learned. Next time he’ll keep his plans to himself and figure it out. He bet David or Bill would’ve done it, no questions asked.

Steve gloomily walked to his desk. He still needed to go over the finance book and there was a stack of paperwork that needed to be done from the three days he was gone. But he couldn’t think clearly. Not with you in his mind.

Maybe if he banged his head hard enough on the desk all his problems would go away. But in reality, it wouldn’t. He would still be broke, sort-of single, and would have a major headache. He groaned out loud, putting his face in his hands. “She- she’s insufferable! The worst person I’ve ever met. And I had plans to marry her.”

“So, you’re not going to marry her?” Eddie asked him.

Steve looked up, as if he had just uttered blasphemy. “Of course I’m going to marry her.”

“But you said-”

“She thinks after five years we’re just going to call it quits and that’s it?” He laughed out loud. “Oh no no no no.”

Eddie felt like he was when Steve first showed up to his house four nights ago. He was scared. “How are you going to convince her to stay with you if you rewire her car?”

Steve leaned back, plopping his feet on the desk, hands behind his head. This entire time he had tried to fight the blazing fire with more fire, forgetting that this entire time he could be fighting with gasoline. “We still have those full jerrycans in storage, right?”

Eddie’s eyes widened. “Oh my god. Steve I know you’re upset but you don’t need to burn anything down.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Eddie, I’m not gonna burn anything down.” He stood up pointing at the car in the parking lot. It was a piece of junk on four wheels, but you were okay with it because it got you around. Steve smiled, looking back at his friend. “Her tank is empty.”

***

You had driven Steve’s car about as many times you could count the number on your fingers. On one hand. Most of those times it had been because he was too drunk to even register what year he was in. And once because he had gotten in a fight during a graduation party after some kid had called you a whore. You wondered where the Steve who defended you when someone looked at you wrong was. Not that you wanted him to punch his own mother. But simply telling her to shut up would suffice. Was that too much to ask?

You sat in the parking lot of Kitty’s Cafe, stuffing your face with too many fries, purposely passing the time. You had gotten off of work an hour ago and would be home by now. But you wanted to marvel at being behind the steering wheel of the BMW.

You fully expected the police to show up and arrest you for stealing a car. But then again, if Hopper had been the one to receive the call from Steve, he would’ve laughed in his face and hung up. You had been driving all around town, sinking into the leather seats. The windows were all down, the sharp air kissing your cheeks. Your car’s windows had stopped rolling down six months ago, it was refreshing. At one point you had driven all the way to the “You are Now Leaving Hawkins, Indiana”. It took everything in your power not to step on the gas, leaving Hawkins in the rearview.

But unfortunately, you had turned around and made your way to your favorite burger spot.

Steve had taken you there on your first unofficial date. It was unofficial because originally it had been a double date and the two of you weren’t together. You couldn’t even remember the name of your date, but you remembered Steve’s. Patty Evans. The big haired bimbo who had an annoying shrill laugh and was way too handsy.

Both Patty and your date conveniently had to go to the bathroom at the same time. You and Steve sat in silence for twenty minutes. You looked at the bathroom door and finally said, “I don’t think they’re coming back.”

Steve swallowed his shake, staring at his plate. “No. They left about fifteen minutes ago in his car.”

You had kicked him under the table. “Why didn’t you tell me? He was my ride. I need to go call my mom.”

“Or you could stay and finish our food. I’ll take you home.” Steve moved his empty basket to the side, grabbing Patty’s.

You stared at him. The neon sign from the window illuminated his face. He looked so young and handsome. You couldn’t tell him that of course. He was only a friend– so you thought. You had had many lunches, dinners, and car rides alone with him. But that time it was clear something shifted between you. Because the rest of the night it was stolen glances, heated cheeks, and touches held too long.

You sighed thinking about how you didn’t remember the last time you had been on a date with him. The memory which was once happy turned into resentment. You crinkled the fry in your hand, sprinkling it all over the passenger seat and floorboard.

Steve would already have an aneurysm if he saw you eating in his car. Just wait until he sees that. You wiped your greasy hand over the steering wheel, like it was a leather napkin. Satisfied, you opened the door to throw away the bag, but decided to throw it in the back instead.

When you walked into the apartment, your nose was hit with a delicious flavor. For a second, your stomach cursed at you for already eating. You walked up to the stove, taking in the sight.

“Where have you been?” Steve’s voice cut into your curiosity. You turned around and almost laughed. He stood there, hands on his hips, wearing a ridiculous polka-dotted apron. “You got off work an hour and half ago.”

“So?”

He scoffed. “So? So, why didn’t you call to let me know you’d be home late?”

This conversation seems strangely familiar, you thought. Did you sound that ridiculous? “Sorry, mom.” You smirked at your comment.

He didn’t think it was funny. He ripped off the apron and threw it to the side. “I won’t even mention the fact you took my car without asking. But when you hadn’t come home, I thought you were dead.” Steve ran his hands through his hair, clearly worked up.

“Did you think I was dead or were you worried I did something to your car?”

“Unbelievable!” Steve proclaimed. However, he paused for a moment, clearly wondering if you might have actually done something to his car. “I’m tired of you always bringing up my car into arguments. We could be talking about random shit like cows and somehow you’d bring her into it. She’s not the problem.”

You laughed. “Her?”

He ignored the comment, continuing on another tangent. “I filled up your tank by the way. I also changed your oil and rotated your tires. You know, things I told you you needed to do months ago. I even came home early, washed dishes, hung the curtains up like you asked, and made dinner. Yet no word from you.”

You threw your arms up, your voice going up an octave. “I guess you know how I feel when I spend the whole night alone, having to watch your dinner get cold because I don’t know when you’ll be home. You thought I was dead because for once I took some time to myself? For the past three years I’ve wondered the same damn thing about you. You have no idea how many times I’ve almost put in a missing person’s report.”

“Sorry to break it to you sweetheart, but sometimes I don’t want to come home. In fact, I dread walking in the door because immediately it’s, ‘Steve, take off your shoes. Steve, don’t forget to put the toilet seat down. Steve, put the curtains up.’” He tried to imitate you as best he could. “It’s always nagging from you.”

“I wouldn’t have to nag you if you just did it!”

The two of you were both shouting at one another. You were certain you had woken up the neighbors, practically seeing the outline of their ears against the wall. “It’s never ‘Steve, how was your day?’” He rummaged through the cabinets, trying to find the tupperware.

She sighed, walking up to the other side of him, opening a cabinet and pulling one out, handing it to him. “You never ask me about my day, either!”

He poured in the food that was never touched into the container. “I do ask you! But you always answer ‘fine.’ So, I stopped. Because what’s the point if you don’t want me to know. It’s like you stopped wanting me to know.” He paused for a moment, closing his eyes tightly, taking in what he had just said. “I never understood whenever I heard my parents arguing, and my mom would yell at my dad, ‘Conrad, I don’t know who you are anymore.’” He looked over at you. “I do now.”

Your face fell. It felt like it was the meanest thing he could ever say. “You really want to know me? For starters, I hate that green turtleneck you wear. You look like a giant booger.”

Steve furrowed his brows, clearly hurt. He loves that sweater. You had been too afraid to let him know that green was not his color. “I hate that new perfume you started to wear. It smells like my great-great grandmother.”

The perfume in question was from a co-worker who sells Avon. You had forgotten the name, and you hated to agree it made you smell like an old lady. But now that he said that, you were going to buy ten more bottles of it. You would lather yourself in it. If you had a bathtub, you would bathe in it. “You know what I really really hate? When we have ramen for dinner, and you slurp so loud. Sometimes I sneak off to the bathroom to finish eating because the noise is so unbearable.”

“That’s disgusting. You’re going to die of an infection if you keep doing that.”

“Good then maybe if I’m dead I won’t be able to hear your noodle slurping!” Your voice had raised again.

He chuckled, placing his hand on the counter, leaning in. He dropped his voice into a low growl. “Sweetheart, you’d be going to hell if you died. The devil would make you listen to noodle slurping for eternity.”

Your nostrils flared. You were furious. It felt like steam was pouring out of your ears. “Before I die I’m going to pour that perfume inside your car.” You laughed maniacally. “Maybe it’ll cover the smell of french fries.”

He started to argue back, but stumbled, his eyes wide. “French fries? What do you mean french fries?”

You gave him a smug look, pushing his hand that was on the counter. He lost his balance holding himself up, his elbow hitting the surface. He clutched it in pain. Satisfied, you started to walk away. But he wasn’t finished. “You have terrible morning breath.”

You gasped as if it was the worst thing he had ever said. “We broke up. Why does any of this matter? Why won’t you surrender and leave.”

You had seen Steve shout before. Many times. But you had never seen him seething. His chest was rising up and down, and his jaw clenched tightly. He pointed aggressively. “There’s a difference between we and you. You broke up with me. You never gave me the chance to have my say. A relationship is two people. And we’ve been in this relationship far too long that I don’t think it’s fair you made the decision for the both of us.”

Your mouth fell open. The only other time he had made you speechless was when he had said I love you for the first time. Your mind buzzed with different responses and even some retaliations. You swallowed whatever words were on your tongue and just gaped at him.

He took a breath of air, like everything he needed to say was out there. He took the food, opened the refrigerator, and placed it in there. He turned back around, facing you. “I’m sleeping in the bed tonight.”

You think you nodded. He didn’t say another word, retreating into the bedroom. And unlike you did last night, the lock clicked softly. But it felt like the sound vibrated against the walls, bouncing all over the apartment, ringing in your ears. It felt like a sharp knife cutting into you. It felt like a three-course meal of regret and guilt was for dessert.

But you agreed with him. He didn’t know you. And you weren’t entirely sure whose fault that was this time.

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icu-now · 30 days

Text

Like a Random Tuesday in December

steve harrington x afab!reader words: 12,457 warnings: little bit of smut !! 18+ (minors dni) ; the smut is very brief so plsplspls do not expect a lot summary: Reader had always had a crush on Steve, but he is not interested. Yet, when he starts to get closer to her, he realizes he made a mistake because it might be too late. a/n: hiiiii. long time no see for a stevie fic... i apologize university is... you know. i started working on this since NOVEMBER of 22' i hope you can enjoy it, because i enjoyed writing it!

Y/n was five years old when she had her first kiss. She was part of the Dribbling Tots basketball team that her father had forced her to be part of. He had grown up as a sports guy, having met her mother at college while he played linebacker.

Although his first child was a girl, that didn’t stop him from doing whatever he could to make sure she would be the first woman in the NFL. Sadly, she was too young to join the PeeWee football team, so he had to settle for the next best thing.

But at five years old, Y/n didn’t understand the reason she was forced to play this game, and her fine motor skills were still below average, dribbling the really bouncy ball was hard. As an only child she wasn’t used to sharing her belongings either, so when a small chubby boy stole the ball from her, she crossed her arms across her chest and began to wail as loud as she could. Her father was one of the coaches and he tried to calm her down, but she wouldn’t budge.

The small chubby boy had come back to her, ball in his hand and held it out for her. The coach for the other team started to yell at him, “Steve, that’s not how we play basketball, son!” But the boy ignored him.

She sniffled, looking at the orange ball in his tiny hands. “That wasn’t nice.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” He let the ball drop out of his hands and walked up to her, his innocent brown eyes nearly made her tears dry. His arms wrapped around her and she could hear the echoed “aws” from mothers watching. He broke apart from her but not without leaning in and placing a small kiss on her lips like she had seen her father do to her mother anytime she was upset.

One would think maybe that was when Y/n first had her crush on Steve Harrington. And maybe if she really thought about it, that’s when it began. Except, that stomach drop feeling and heart racing never occurred until the seventh grade on a random Tuesday in December. He had shown up to class late, rummaged through his backpack and sighed before looking behind him. She didn’t notice at first because she was etching her pencil into the desk.

“Hey.” He tapped his finger on the wooden desk.

She looked up at him, surprised, Steve Harrington hadn’t really talked to her since grade school. “Uh… hey?”

He gave her a charming smile, running his fingers through his hair which had recently been cut. “Do you have an extra pencil I could borrow?”

She had given him one of her favorite pencils, only a tiny scratch had been on it. Okay, it wasn’t her favorite, but when he had returned it at the end of class it became her most prized possession the rest of the school year. Well, until she lost it. But her crush never subdued throughout school.

Even watching the goofy big tooth boy grow taller, stronger, and more attractive she couldn’t help but feel her cheeks heat up whenever he was near. Her friends would tease her at lunch when she would stop mid-sentence because Steve had just stood up and caught a chicken nugget in the air or she would giggle at a joke she listened to.

But one thing was she never told him. Not once. Y/n saw the type of girls Steve Harrington went out with and she definitely was not the small and petite Nancy Wheeler. It seemed like her feelings towards Steve would be nothing more than a school girl crush. In fact, she had rarely thought about the dark haired boy since prom. Because although he looked sad, he looked pretty. And she swore he was about to ask her to dance until some redhead jumped in front of him. That was until he decided to start working at Family Video.

Keith mentioned there would be two new employees and all the training was on her, per usual. Y/n was Keith’s underpaid assistant but she never argued because he would eventually leave and she’d be crowned the new manager. But she didn’t expect on a Saturday morning that she would walk in to see Steve Harrington and a short haired girl named Robin Buckley waiting outside for their first ever shift.

She tried her best not to fumble her keys while unlocking the door or run into the cart of returned movies that the closers conveniently forgot to put away. She tried at least. The cart hit her hip so hard it fell down. She immediately cursed under her breath, bending down to pick up the spilled tapes on the ground.

Both new employees jumped to help her as she sputtered apologies and they didn’t have to help. Her breath hitched. Steve’s shoulder brushed against hers as he reached for a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and suddenly she was back in Mrs. Robinson’s pre-cal class, warm cheeks, and that flip in her stomach that told her maybe her school girl crush hadn’t gone away. Lucky for her, she was the one who had been given the weekly task to make the schedule. She had ensured to never have a shift with him– at least alone.

She thought it wasn’t obvious she was actively avoiding him until one day he had come in with lunch for Robin. Except, Robin had already gone down the street to Dairy Queen with a friend. Steve’s face dropped when Y/n had broke the news to him. One would think him and Robin were together but it took three hours for her to come to the conclusion that they were nothing more than platonic.

Steve set the bag on the counter. He ran a hand through his hair, a strand fell down to his forehead, and she pathetically had to turn around to make sure she wasn’t drooling. “Do you want to eat lunch together?”

She froze. “W-what?”

Steve had already started to unpack the brown bag, shoving a fry in his mouth. “I don’t know what you like on your burger. Robin is weird and hates everything except cheese and pickles.” It was difficult to understand him with his mouth full of more salty fries and the fact she was still stunned. Steve must have noticed how she didn’t budge, staring at him with wide eyes because he looked up, tilting his head. “You're not hungry? Wait, don’t tell me. Are you one of those vegetarians? If you are, that's totally okay… you can eat my fries! Fries are a vegetable, right?”

She put her hand up. “No… I’m… thank you.” That was all she could manage to say before she grabbed the wrapped burger on the counter to take a bite.

“You don’t talk a lot, do you?” Steve wiped a dot of mustard from the corner of his mouth. “You never did in school.”

She giggled. “You never talked to me in school.”

“I didn’t?”

She tapped her chin and looked up as she pretended to go through her memories. “I recall one conversation when you asked to borrow a pencil.”

Steve made a sound and motioned his hands at her. “See!” His laugh was infectious, silky, and warm.

She had rolled her eyes, cheeks heated and stomach fluttered. “It’s okay. I never expected Steve Harrington to talk to someone like me.”

It wasn’t dramatic but his face dropped and eyes averted elsewhere. He took another bite of his burger, slow and deep in thought. She wanted to apologize. It was a harmless joke. Yet, she could tell his old self was a sore subject. “Sorry I was an idiot back then. So, don’t say that about yourself. You’re pretty cool.”

She looked down at her burger, avoiding the toothy grin plastered on his face. “You think I’m cool?”

Steve shoved the last bite of his burger in his mouth, shrugging. “Yeah of course you’re cool. You’re the one who convinced Keith to let us put a coffee machine in the break room.”

Her face fell briefly. “Yeah… um thank you again for the burger but I need to get back to work before the rush.” She was lying, and he knew that. There was never a rush until the evening.

He coughed awkwardly, grabbing his trash off the counter so he could place it in the bin. “Right. Well, I guess I’ll see you later?”

She only gave him a small smile, sighing in relief when the door chimed as Robin walked in, eyes wide at the sight of Steve. “I didn’t know you were working today?”

“I brought you lunch,” he answered with a bored tone, walking towards her.

“Oh… I was on a…” She looked over at the girl rewinding tapes, pretending not to listen to their conversation. “I was hanging out with April.”

Steve’s eyes widened. “April from the corner store? With the…?” He grabbed imaginary boobs.

Robin rolled her eyes, hitting him in the chest. “Gross, Steve. Are there any fries left? I’m still starving.” She grabbed the empty sack out of his hand, frowning. “I thought you said you brought me lunch?”

Steve made a sound, glancing at the girl behind the counter. “I had lunch with Y/n instead.”

Robin’s face contorted into something Steve knew all too well– mischief and curiosity. Robin loved to jump to conclusions.

“Stop,” he whispered so only she could hear. He started to mess with some tapes on a shelf so it looked less suspicious.

Robin threw her hands up. “I didn’t say anything.”

He narrowed his eyes looking back at the girl who was oblivious to the conversation and then back at his best friend. “She’s not my type.”

“I wasn’t your type either.” She jabbed back.

He blew a sigh out of his nose, opening his mouth to say something, but decided against it. He looked back at the girl.

Robin leaned closer, also bringing her voice to a whisper. “She definitely has a crush on you.” She snorted when Steve fumbled with a tape in his hand before placing it back. However, Robin took it and put it in a different spot– the correct spot.

“She does not. She doesn’t even talk to me!” He had said the last part a little too loud, but fortunately for him she had slipped into the storage room. Her ears were out of range of their conversation.

Robin thumped him on the forehead. “You dingus. She doesn’t talk to you because she has a crush on you, duh.”

Steve rubbed his hand over his face. “Even if she does have a crush on me. I’m not interested.”

Robin shook her head in disbelief, handing him the empty sack back. “Right. Because she’s not your type.” She didn’t allow him to answer, ending the conversation by telling him she’d see him later.

And of course, it took Robin exactly twenty-seven minutes to interrogate Y/n about Steve. Business was slower than usual, and her boredom turned into twenty questions. Robin had learned more about her co-worker in fifteen minutes than the few months she had been working there.

Her favorite food, color, and astrology chart. And now she was down to her last few questions. She needed to use them wisely. “So… what do you think about Steve?” Robin tried to be nonchalant.

Y/n didn’t react, but she noticed the way her shoulders tensed up. “Not sure what you mean by that.”

Robin shrugged, twirling a strand of hair around her finger mindlessly. “Oh… he just mentioned something to me. It’s probably nothing.” With her plan, she walked off, pushing the cart of returned tapes around, taking her sweet time to find their right places.

“Oh.” Was all Y/n had said before a customer walked in. But as soon as they walked out, Y/n joined Robin by the Horror section. “I’m curious. What did he say?”

Robin motioned her hand in a circle. “You know, this and that. How he thinks you hate him because you ignore him all the time.” It was a stretched lie. But it was her bait, and by the expression on the girl’s face, she was hooked.

“I… don’t hate Steve. Does he really think that?” Her face was full of concern. She even looked so worried her face was green as if she wanted to throw up.

Robin had to hold in the laughter. “It’s okay. I know it’s because you have a crush on him.”

She pushed the cart away, leaving Y/n behind. Her mouth had fallen open from shock. “W-what? No I don’t!”

“Okay,” Robin hummed.

“Even if I did like him. That’s not why I ignore him. It's a coincidence,” she continued.

“Don’t you make the schedules?” Robin’s brow rose, putting the last tape away. She leaned on the cart.

Y/n huffed, crossing her arms. “I do not have a crush on him.”

“You already said that.”

“And I’m repeating it because I feel like you don’t believe me.”

“Because I don’t believe you.”

The two stared at one another, neither wanted to break first. Y/n had always gotten along with Robin, but she never considered her a close enough friend to be asked such personal questions. She never went around trying to dive deeper into Robin’s romantic affairs.

Not that she ever saw her flirt with anyone that came in or talk about the very few cute boys that rolled in and out of Family Video.

It was Y/n who finally broke, the sound of the door chime turning her attention to an older woman hobbling in. The rest of the shift the two girls didn’t speak. But Y/n occasionally caught Robin looking over at her, a smirk plastered on her face. It was like Robin had figured everything out about her.

***

The inevitable occurred. It was Thursday, but not just any Thursday. It was Halloween. And Robin Buckley had caught the flu. Not only did Keith force her to cancel all of her late night plans, but Y/n had to work with Steve Harrington– alone.

She dreaded the shift as soon as she pulled up to her designated parking spot. Steve’s sleek BMW parked right next to it. Normally when she parked next to him, she always caught him doing his hair or checking to make sure his teeth were still white.

But today, there was no sign of him waiting in the car before their shift. Before she could question it, the door to Family Video opened, two girls came out giggling. Steve was the one holding the door. She couldn’t help it but to roll her eyes.

When he saw her get out of the car, he tilted his head, smiled softly, and waved at her. It was more than odd to see him show up before her. Keith already had a file full of tardiness warnings. “Nice costume.” Steve kept the door held open for her as she walked up to the store.

She instinctively touched the cat ears on her head. Steve followed close behind her back into the store. There were only a few customers browsing the store when she walked in. “Yeah, well thanks to Robin my plans on staying home doing nothing turned into scrambling to find something quick.”

Steve reached out and poked the orange and black ears, sniggering. “It wasn’t a requirement to wear a costume.”

She swatted his hand away and put a hand on her hip. “I know that. But it makes the shift more fun.”

“You could’ve made it more fun for me and dressed as one of the Pussycats.” He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Her cheeks heated up. Y/n walked to the counter and picked up the folder for the closing shift check-list, scanning what needed to be done.

She glanced at the brunette who had followed her. He leaned against the counter, watching her. “If you should know, I was Josie last year for Halloween. This is my work appropriate costume.” She looked him up and down. “It’s a shame you didn’t want to dress up. You would have made a good Alan.”

His brows furrowed. “Who’s Alan?”

“The Pussycat’s roadie and Josie’s boyfriend.” Her eyes widened at what she had just said. She turned to face him, shaking her head violently. “I- I didn’t mean it like that.”

Steve licked his lips and opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something important. “I’m going to go check on our customers.”

She wanted to kick herself watching Steve give an awkward tightlipped smile, and walk away to the other side of the store. Instead, she had to put on a fake smile as she checked out customers. This was the exact reason she avoided being alone with him. Her awkward nature was always illuminated in her conversations.

And it seemed like the night only dragged excruciatingly slow. Occasionally groups of teenagers would come in like a herd, Steve scolding them not to run around. And then there were periods of times that it was just the two of them. The only sound came from the ticking of the clock and the film that was playing on the TV above the counter.

Then three familiar boys stormed into the store. There was a short curly-haired one, looking around as if he was on a mission. “Steve!” He had shouted towards her co-worker who was fixing a display.

Steve turned around with a huge smile. “Henderson!”

She couldn’t help but watch in bewilderment as the two greeted one another. “Where’s Robin?” The tall scrawny dark-haired boy of the group asked, coming up to the counter to get a piece of candy from a bowl that Keith had put out.

“Sick,” Steve answered him. He looked over at Y/n, who stood awkwardly as the three boys all made a sound of disappointment.

“Does this mean we can’t-” The curly haired boy’s words were cut off because Steve thumped him in the head, giving him a warning look. “What was that for?” He rubbed the spot, confused.

The other two boys kept quiet, as if they knew why Steve had tried to shut the boy up. “Let’s just go Dustin.” The dark skinned boy said. He motioned his eyes towards Y/n.

“Oh.” Dustin nodded, looking over at her. He gave her a toothy grin, his braces gleaming from the fluorescent lights. “Right… uh… well I guess we’ll see you later, Steve.”

The three boys all gave a disappointed sigh, their shoulders slouched as they made their way towards the door.

“Wait,” Y/n called out. The three boys stopped, turning around quickly. “You boys didn’t come in here to rent an R-rated movie… did you?” She raised a brow.

They all looked at one another.

“Or did you? Because my co-worker here lets you?” She tilted her head, trying to hold back the laughter from interrogating them. They gave a panicked look towards Steve, who was pretending not to listen. She looked over at him, narrowing her eyes. “But Steve wouldn’t do that. Because he knows that’s a fireable offense, right?”

Steve stuttered, trying to come up with the words. “Uh… yeah… right.”

“And as one of the leader’s, it’s my duty to write you up if I see you let fourteen year-olds rent an R-rated movie.” Steve looked down at the ground, avoiding her glare from being caught red-handed. Y/n let out a sigh. “I’m going to the backroom to get something. Since I can’t see the store or anything that happens while I’m in there, will you make sure any customers are taken care of while I’m gone?”

Steve looked up at her. He was unsure what to say. So, he just nodded.

Y/n eyed the three boys, giving them a small smile before walking to the back. She could hear them quietly celebrate as she entered the backroom. Of course, there was nothing for her to get or do in there. She was waiting until she heard the boys say bye, and ring of the bell, letting her know they were gone.

When she came back out, Steve’s back was leaned on the counter, arms crossed, watching the front door. The sunset streamed in, casting a glow on his tanned skin. She felt her cheeks heat up when she noticed the muscles in his arms poke out, his shirt sleeve hugging them. He noticed she had walked back into the room, standing straight, and brushing out his vest.

“Your friends left?” She pretended to look for them even though she knew the answer, walking towards the cash register. Her back now faced him.

Steve looked amused. “I wouldn’t really call them my friends.”

“They come in a lot to see you. That curly-haired boy seems to be fascinated with you.” She smirked at the thought that The King of high school who was popular was now only friends with a bunch of outcasts.

“Oh, yeah. I guess Dustin is like the little brother I never had.” He walked up next to her.

She shuddered when his arm brushed against hers. “That’s adorable,” Y/n cooed. She looked up at him with a big smile.

Steve blushed, but smiled back nevertheless. In doing so, it filled the air around the two of them with something that Y/n couldn’t describe. But it was suffocating, pricking her skin into tiny goosebumps along her arms.

He raked his fingers through his hair, sucking in his teeth. He was the first to break eye contact. “Listen, I um… wanted to talk to you about something Robin had said.”

Her face fell, unsure what he was going to say. “Oh?”

“Well, it’s kind of funny she would say such a thing. But a few weeks ago she mentioned something about you… having a crush on me.” He had thrown in some laughs as if it would ease the awkwardness.

Suddenly, it felt like Y/n had forgotten what words were. She was frozen, blinking rapidly, trying to tell her brain how to open her mouth. It would be easy for her to lie. To tell him, no, that’s absolutely ridiculous. Nevertheless, she looked up at him, a pathetic look in her eyes, opening her mouth to say something, but choosing to give a weak smile instead.

Realization hit him. Robin's intuition was correct. He couldn’t help but look at his feet, blushing. “Oh.”

The reply was all she needed to hear to know his thoughts on the matter. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything. I know you’re not interested. It’s just silly feelings that don’t mean anything, you know?” Her smile was small and sad. “I’d like to be your friend, though. I’ve just always been shy because you’re Steve Harrington and I wasn’t sure how to talk to you.”

Steve hated to admit her response was overwhelming and confusing. It was sure, he had never thought of her more than just a coworker. He gave a quick nod. “Right. Friends is… good. I’d like to be your friend as well.”

There was a beat.

“Great.” Y/n threw her hands up. “Then friends we are!” She patted him on the shoulder. And although her chest was tight, and a lump in her throat threatened to come up, she still smiled.

The bell ringing forced their attention towards the front door as another group of teenagers stormed in. The conversation was dropped for the rest of the night. And it probably would never come up again.

They were just friends.

***

Robin typed on the Family Video computer, occasionally leaning back, looking at the office door when she heard raised voices. Steve set some tapes on the counter next to her. She jumped, briefly looking at her friend before turning to look at the closed door again. “What do you think they’re talking about in there?”

Steve tilted his head, shrugging. “‘Dunno. Y/n and Keith have been butting heads for the past two weeks.”

“Yeah, but Mr. Morris never comes in. It must be something serious if the owner wanted to talk to them,” she whispered.

Before Steve could reply, the office door opened wide. “This is bullshit!” Y/n stormed out. She turned back around, pointing her finger towards whoever was in the room. “When this store goes downhill, don’t call me for help.” She pulled her work vest off and threw it on the ground. “I’m tired of doing all of Keith’s work and have no credit around here.”

There was no reply from inside the office, making her scoff in disbelief. “Fuck this place. And fuck you, Keith. Should I tell Mr. Morris now that you’ve been sneaking tapes from the adult section?” She turned back around and stomped past Robin and Steve, stopping for a moment to look at them, but it seemed like there was nothing else to say. She walked out of the store, leaving the pair dumbfounded.

Steve gave Robin a look. “I’ll be right back.” Before she could argue, Steve was running out of the store. He sighed in relief when he saw Y/n’s car still parked. He ran across the street, calling out her name, waving his hand in the air, barely missing a car coming his way. Whoever was driving was not happy because they held down their car horn as they passed by, flipping him off.

He didn’t bother with apologies. Instead, he walked up to her car, panting.

“Did your mother ever teach you how to look both ways, Harrington?” Although she was smirking, Steven took note of her puffy red-stained eyes. Dried tears clung to her soft cheeks. She must have noticed he was looking at her because she took the back of her hand to wipe her face.

“Are you okay?” He placed the palm of his hand on the top of her car, leaning on it slightly, trying to catch his breath. He needed to get back in shape.

Y/n, already frustrated, rolled her eyes. “I’m fine, Steve. I just want to go home.”

“Are you sure? It looked pretty rough back there.” He pressed.

Her jaw ticked. “Steve, I appreciate your concern. But I really don’t want to talk about it. Especially with you.”

Taken aback, Steve allowed his hand to slip down. He looked off to think for a moment. “I’m sorry. I just thought now that we’re friends… you might want someone to talk to.”

She bit her lip and pinched her nose. “No, I’m sorry. I’m pissed off and I took it out on you.” Her voice was soft, slightly cracking. Yet, she gave him an assuring smile. “Thank you for checking up on me.”

He smiled back. “Robin and I are having a movie night tomorrow. You should come. I have a heated pool.” He could sense she was unsure with the proposal. “And there will be booze. If you’re into that sort of thing of course.”

She sniggered, “Okay.”

That next night, Y/n showed up to Steve Harrington’s house just as she promised. She knocked on the large double doors. It took a moment before it opened. Her brows knitted together when the curly haired boy from Halloween answered the door. His name was Dustin, if she remembered correctly. “You’re not pizza.”

She dramatically patted herself. “Oh god. You’re right. I’m not. And you’re not Steve.”

Dustin rolled his eyes. “Very funny.” He left the door open just enough to let her in. “Steve! Your girlfriend is here.”

Her eyes went wide. “Oh, we’re not-”

“Y/n! You came.” Steve interrupted her, walking into the foyer.

She looked away quickly. He was only in a pair of swim trunks, a towel hung around the back of his neck. She had hoped he wasn’t serious about swimming. Even with a heated pool it was 53° outside. “Yeah, I had nothing better to do.”

Steve laughed, then looked over at Dustin who was still standing there, watching the two of them, clearly amused. “Henderson, what are you doing?”

“Waiting on the damn pizza you said you ordered an hour ago. I’m starving,” the younger boy complained.

“Stop whining and go upstairs and tell Robin Y/n’s here.” He motioned Dustin to go up the staircase that was right next to them. And like a mother, when Dustin opened his mouth to argue, Steve held a finger up. “Go, now.”

His shoulders dropped in defeat, doing as he was told.

Y/n giggled. “He seems like a handful.”

“No kidding.” Steve watched Dustin disappear at the top to go find Robin. “Just between you and me, I completely forgot to order the pizza.”

“I heard that!” Dustin yelled.

Steve ignored him, but rather put his hand on Y/n’s back so he could lead her through the house. “This is the living room.”

“I know.” Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean that in a stalker way. I meant it as I’ve been to your parties in high school way.”

He chuckled, removing his hand from her back. “Sorry about that. I don’t remember much about high school. Mostly because part of me was so self-absorbed.”

There was a beat.

“Would you like a beer?”

“Uh… sure.” She followed him into the large kitchen. She had never seen it so empty, tracing her finger over the marble countertop. “I never thought you were self-absorbed.”

Steve paused for a moment to process what she had just said, looking over at her as she jumped on top of the counter. She seemed fascinated with his kitchen. He wasn’t sure why, though. It was just a kitchen. “I’m okay with admitting to being selfish and arrogant back then.”

Y/n took a cold can of beer out of his hand. She smirked, opening the can, letting it hiss. “I never said I never thought you were arrogant.” She took a sip.

Steve couldn’t help but titter. She had got him there he had to admit.

“Steve, Dustin said you forgot to order the pizza.” Robin’s voice infiltrated the kitchen as she barged through the door, clutching her stomach dramatically. “I’ve been studying non-stop and I think I’m about to die from lack of food.”

Y/n’s giggle made Robin look her up and down, examining from head to toe. She then turned back to Steve, a painful expression on her face. “Please order the pizza. My life is on your hands, Harrington.”

Steve rolled his eyes, taking the towel around his neck and swatting her with it. “You order it. I’m showing my guest around.”

“You never showed me around,” Robin mumbled. He tried to hit Robin again, but she caught the towel and pulled it away, frowning. “You do know me and Dustin will abuse this power of pizza ordering privileges.”

Steve looked like he was second-guessing his choice. Yet, he just sighed. “Yeah. Do as you wish. We’ll meet you guys outside in a bit.” He motioned for Y/n to follow him.

She slid off the counter, giving Robin a small smile. “See you in a bit.”

And before she turned to follow Steve out of the room, Robin’s mouth twisted into a sly smirk. She then crossed her arms and gave a suggestive wink at the girl. Y/n felt her face heat up and quickly put her head down, scurrying out of the room to catch up with Steve.

Later that night, Steve had walked Y/n to her car. When he walked back inside his house, he joined Robin and Dustin back in the living room. The two sat on the couch, arms crossed, and had knowing looks plastered on their faces, like mom’s who knew too much.

Steve ignored them and instead started to clean up the area. He had changed into a shirt and sweats, but his hair was still damp and clung to his forehead. Him and Dustin had been the only ones who swam. Robin and Y/n sat at the edge, their feet dipped into the pool, talking about who knows what.

Although Robin and Steve had a lot in common and were inseparable since the summer, he couldn’t help but feel happy she had another friend who was a girl. Truthfully, he struggled fully understanding her.

“Are you sure you two aren’t dating?” Dustin had been the one to break the ice, asking the question that Robin was wondering as well.

She sat silent, but by her expression, Steve could tell she had a lot to say on the matter. The Harrington boy sighed loudly, not looking over at them. “I’m sure.”

Robin let out a scoff, everything she had been holding in spilling out. “Are you kidding me? I’ve had to endure you two blatantly flirting or eye… canoodling for three weeks straight. But get this, he told me he turned her down when she told him she liked him.”

Dustin jumped off the couch, walking up to Steve.“Wait… dude, she likes you? And you rejected her? I thought it was weird when you and Robin haven’t gotten together yet, but this is even weirder.”

Steve glanced over at Robin, sharing a knowing look at one another. “Uh… yeah,” he coughed awkwardly. “She’s just not my type, you know.” Steve shook his head. This was unbelievable. Why was he talking about his love life with a kid? “Go get your stuff. Your mom should be home by now. I can’t believe I let her convince me to look after you tonight.”

Dustin mumbled profanities, walking off to go collect his things. Robin on the other hand had stood up, not wanting to drop the subject. “You’re a dingus, Harrington.”

“I’m done talking about it, Buckley. We’re just friends.” He took the handful of trash and walked into the kitchen to throw it away.

Robin followed. “Give me one good reason she isn’t your type. Then I’ll drop it.” Steve turned around, hands on hips, annoyed. Robin held out her pinkie. “I promise.”

He looked to the side and his jaw ticked. “I dunno, she just isn’t. There isn’t anything else to say.”

“You’re not helping your case-” He cut her off by groaning loudly, putting his face in his hands. “Jesus Christ. I don’t like her because she doesn’t really like me. I can tell you’re confused. I meant that she doesn’t really like me because she likes this version of me she knew from high school.”

She still looked confused. “Okay?”

“Robin, you’ve seen my many failed dates. It has all been girls that I went to school with who had a crush on Steve “The King” Harrington. Once they learned that I was just some guy who had no actual plan for the future…” He couldn’t seem to finish the last part. He leaned back on the counter, arms crossed.

Robin started to laugh, receiving a dirty look from him. “But you always know that’s why those girls like you because of you were. Why is Y/n different? Is it because you like her too?”

Steve didn’t answer at first. He scratched his neck, standing up straight again. “She’s just a friend.”

Defeated in the argument, Robin sighed. “Right. Do you know why she quit yesterday?”

“What does this have to with-”

“She quit because Keith reported her for renting R-rated movies out to kids.”

Steve’s mouth fell open, unsure what to say.

But he didn’t have to say anything, because Robin continued, “She didn’t have to do that. She could have told the truth and saved her ass but she didn’t. Now sure, she might have a crush on you because of Steve “The King” Harrington. But something tells me she might be okay with Steve “The Lame and Dingus” Harrington.”

Steve couldn’t sleep the rest of the night once Robin and Dustin arrived safely back at their homes. He hated when Robin had the last word in their squabbles. And it seemed like this time it took the words right out from under him.

He was unsure how to feel. Grateful? Guilty? Indebted? None of those made up for what Y/n had done for him. And she didn’t even tell him. It was an unconditional favor that he wasn’t aware of until now.

***

Y/n hated to admit it, but she missed Family Video. Her days at the store were always different, even with the odd small-town regulars that came in. She hated that she even missed the smell of Keith’s tuna sandwich he always brought for lunch.

Now, she was stuck behind a desk taking calls for an attorney who rarely had clients. At first, she was ecstatic her first day had been sorting paperwork, but if she had known it would only take her a couple of hours, she would’ve dragged it out rather than trying to be a kiss-ass over achiever.

Unlike Family Video, her day was always the same. It was Hawkins, she expected to see odd cases come in and out, but most of the time it was the town drunks who violated their probation by drinking under the influence.

However, one good thing happened was at exactly 11:30 AM, Steve Harrinton would walk in with lunch. The first few days he had came, Y/n had already packed a sandwich for herself and it had gone to waste. She soon learned there wasn’t a need to pack her lunch at all by the second week.

Steve had managed to become the new lead, meaning he had full control of scheduling. Y/n was happy for him. He seemed to enjoy having more control and privileges. And she imagined he took advantage of his position whenever he was on a shift with Robin.

So, by now it had come to no surprise when he waltzed into the office, two bags in his hands, plopping in the chair on the other side. He always set his feet on top of the desk, which Y/n always pushed off. Even if she was occupied with a word search or book, it was an instinct.

“Working hard or hardly working?” He smiled, teeth and all, knowing she would cringe.

She let out raspberry, reaching over the desk and hand held out to take the bag. “What fine cuisine did you bring for me today? Wendy’s?”

Steve laughed, handing over the bag. “My mom’s meatloaf.”

She gave him a look. Nothing had to be said to know that it was strange coming from him having a home cooked meal from his mom. Especially since a few weeks ago he had mentioned his dad had received a promotion, meaning more time traveling. Steve had expressed many times that Mrs. Harrington didn’t trust his dad on his own.

She watched as he took out the contents of his bag. She had put the blinds up earlier because the sun was out even though it was December. Sunlight bled through, highlighting his dark hair that it almost looked like honey was oozing down his head like streaks.

However, the moment was ruined when he shoved a bologna sandwich in his mouth, crumbs falling everywhere.

“You always eat like it’s your last meal.” She noticed a drop of mustard on his chin. Sighing, she opened a drawer full of miscellaneous items, taking out a napkin. She leaned over the desk and wiped the mustard off his chin carefully. There was a beat where the two locked eyes, but she pulled away quickly, handing him the napkin.

“I eat like a working man who only has a 30-minute lunch break,” he complained.

She giggled. “I’ve told you my boss is looking for an intern. You’d get an hour.”

“Pfft. I am not cut out for the world of law. Although, my dad would probably be more than happy.” Steve ate the last bite of his food, rubbing his hands against one another to get the crumbs off.

She only smiled in response, finally taking a bite of the meatloaf, her eyes wide as it hit her tongue. “This is delicious!”

A laugh bellowed out of him. “Woah, slow down there.”

Y/n didn’t listen. In about five bites the meatloaf was all gone from the tupperware container. A loud burp escaped from her lips, she shockingly covered her mouth from embarrassment. But she quickly eased up when she saw the corner of his eyes crinkle.

She had noticed something different recently whenever she was around Steve. His touches always seemed to linger, or the sound of his laughter somehow stained the air around her. She wasn’t sure how that was possible, but even after he left the room she could still hear the rich sound waiting around, ringing throughout her ears. As if it wanted to taunt her. And not to mention his apparent need to always see her.

She had told herself weeks ago she was over him. He would never like her. They both verbally agreed that he only saw her as a friend and that was all they would be.

Steve coughed, attempting to break the silence. His expression made it seem like he had been trying to find the right words to say something. “So, did you see that Girls Just Want to Have Fun is showing at the drive-in on Saturday?”

She almost jumped in her seat. “Wait? Really? That’s my favorite movie!”

Steve smiled. He knew it was her favorite. Once he looked at her account and saw she had rented it a month straight once the store started to carry it. “Oh! I had no clue. Well, um…” He scratched his neck. “If you’re not busy do you want to go with me?”

“Yeah! I mean I’m not busy. I’d love to!” She grabbed her bag on the ground and dug around until she found her pocket calendar. “What time?”

Steve took a moment to relish her excitement, taking note how it made her eyes brighter. “Uh… seven.”

She nodded, scribbling down the plan on the calendar for Saturday. “That’s a perfect excuse to return Robin a book I borrowed from her.”

His face fell. “Robin?”

She didn’t seem to notice the shift. “This is so exciting!”

“Do you think I meant… Y/n I was kind of hoping… what I meant was that I wanted it to be just-”

Steve’s words were cut off as the front door opened. Y/n’s demeanor changed. Steve watched her closely as she sat up straighter, wiped her blazer of any crumbs, and looked at herself in the reflection of the computer in front of her.

He turned in his seat to see who had walked in that made her react in such a way.

It was a tall, clean, short haired man. “Hello, Y/n.” He was soft-spoken but somehow carried an assertive energy. Steve had to do a double take to realize it was Mike Lewinski. He was an old basketball teammate from school. And apparently over the summer he had had a makeover.

“Mike?” Steve stood up, allowing the third party to recognize his presence.

“Harrington? Wow, man. I thought it was only rumors that you stuck around.” He looked at the Family Video vest, before holding out his hand. “What brings you to my dad’s office?”

Steve was hesitant, but took it nonetheless, both their grips tight as if challenging one another silently. “Oh… I was just having lunch with Y/n.”

Mike looked over the girl who had also stood up in the meantime, smiling bashfully at him. “Y/n, I wasn’t aware you were seeing someone.”

She shook her head. “We’re not together!”

Steve turned around quickly from her eagerness to turn down the accusation. He faced Mike again. “Yeah, we have lunch sometimes whenever I’m not busy.”

“Ah.” Mike smiled. Almost like he was relieved. “Is my father in his office?”

Y/n stuttered. “Oh… yeah! You’re good. He doesn’t have any meetings today.”

He smiled and nodded. “Good to see you, Harrington. We should go out to the Hideaway sometime.”

“Yeah.”

Mike walked past him and towards his father’s office, stopping when he reached next to Y/n. She smiled nervously as he looked at her closely. “Did you cut your hair?”

Instinctively, she touched it, smiling. “Yes, I did.” She didn’t.

“I like it. It suits you.” Mike gave another curt nod, before walking into his father’s office.

Y/n giggled to herself, sitting back down in her chair.

Steve, on the other hand, couldn’t believe the monstrosity he had just witnessed. His jaw ticked the longer he thought about Meathead Mike and Y/n, in the words of Robin, eye canoodling. “You haven’t done anything with your hair.”

Y/n looked up, brows furrowed. “Huh?”

“He asked if you cut your hair and you said yes. You haven’t cut it. You just have it in a different style.” He pointed.

She scoffed. “So what? I was only being nice.”

“You were flirting,” he argued.

Y/n had had enough. She looked at the door behind her before jumping to her feet. She stormed around the desk, grabbing his wrist, and pulled him outside. “What the hell is with you?”

Steve pulled his arm away so he could cross them against his chest. And almost like a child, he looked away from her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re unbelievable.” She had to walk away for a moment to take a deep breath privately before returning. “You’ve been so strange lately. And now you’re upset because you think I was flirting with someone.”

“I’m not upset.”

“Right… fine. I’m not going to argue with you about it. I’m just having a hard time understanding you, Steve. I mean you go from not talking to me at all to coming to my work every day with lunch. Why?” In that moment, she hoped that secretly all this time had been his way of telling her he liked her.

It was promising because he had taken a step closer to her. His eyes drooped, vulnerable and harboring a secret he had been holding in.

When he saw her flirt with Mike, he realized that he had taken too long to decipher his feelings and thoughts about her. She had moved on and followed through with their mutual promise to be friends. He swallowed the thickness stuck in his throat, dropping his arms to his sides. “You’re right. I have been acting strange.”

Y/n’s heart skipped a beat.

“I have been feeling something for weeks and I wasn’t sure how to express it,” he continued.

The corners of her mouth lifted, stepping closer to him, grabbing his hand. “Steve, it’s okay. You can tell me.”

He looked down, ashamed. “I’ve felt guilty about you quitting because of me.” His voice was soft but almost ear-deafening at the same time.

She closed her eyes to process what he had said. “You… you’ve been bringing me lunch every day because you felt guilty about me quitting?”

Steve nodded. “You took the fall for me and then I ended up with your job. I feel like an asshole.”

Y/n bit her lip, letting go of his hand. However, she smiled reassuringly. “I’m going to kill Robin for telling you.”

“Please don’t. Her ghost will come back and kill me.”

They shared a laugh.

Steve looked through the window at the closed office door. “Mike’s a good guy.”

“Yeah. I know.” She smiled sadly, looking at her watch. “Your break is over.”

Steve took a deep breath. “Right. You know, about Saturday. I completely forgot that I have to pull a double so I don’t think I’ll be able to go.” He put his hand on top of his head, pretending as if it had just come to him.

She tried not to look upset. “It’s okay. I forgot I have to babysit.” It was a lie. And maybe deep down he knew it, but he didn’t show any reaction.

Instead, he left her with a half-hearted smile and dirty tupperware that he forgot to take with him. She had taken it home and washed it so it would be returned cleaned. But the rest of the week, Steve didn’t show up at his regular time. Anytime she called the store and asked for him, someone always gave the excuse that he was busy. By Friday, Y/n had packed her own lunch for the first time in weeks.

***

Robin Buckley had never been a flashy person. She hated the attention on her. And she only said things to strangers if she absolutely had to.

So when her, Steve and Y/n were at the diner and she brought up wanting to have an eighteenth birthday party, Steve was taken aback. Y/n on the other hand, squealed. “Oh my god! That will be so much fun. Don’t you agree, Steve?” They had only recently started to be okay again. But there were still moments when the energy between them was tense.

He didn’t look at her. “Yeah, I guess.”

Y/n hit his shoulder. “This is Robin’s only eighteenth birthday. Of course she’d want to have a huge party.”

“I never said anything about it being huge,” Robin interjected.

Y/n waved her hand as if she was waving off what her friend had just said. “Leave the planning to me. Steve can we have it at your-”

“Whatever.” He glanced at his watch, getting out of the booth. “I have to go pick up Dustin and his geek squad.” He finally looked at Y/n as he laid some cash to cover his bill on the table. “Robin can tell me more at work tomorrow.”

Once he left, she let out a huff. “He has some nerve.”

Robin waited a moment before replying. “He’s been pissy lately because Dustin has been hanging out with Eddie Munson more than him.”

“He’s so moody,” she complained.

Robin only hummed.

The party was more than what Robin had imagined. People she had never spoken to filled the empty spaces of the Harrington household. They had no clue who she was, but it didn’t matter because there was free alcohol and they were all too drunk to ask.

Robin stood next to Y/n, shyly saying thanks to all the people who wished her a happy birthday. She took a sip from her cup, cringing at the taste. Y/n chuckled, leaning over to Robin, grabbing her arm for support. “No one’s forcing you to drink that.”

Robin, as if proving a point, chugged the rest, wiping her mouth. “It’s my birthday. Once I get drunk enough, it will taste like water.”

They shared a fit of drunken giggles. Y/n looked across the room to see Steve leaned against the wall, a red-solo cup in his hand, talking to a blonde. She felt her stomach twist and the only remedy was the rum punch in her hand. “I need to get laid.”

“W-what about that one guy…” Robin snapped her fingers trying to recall the name. “Meathead!”

“Meathead?” She thought for a moment. “You mean Mike?” Mike Lewinski had asked her out for coffee a few weeks ago. Nothing had gone wrong, in fact he was nice, but their conversations fell flat and uninteresting. Both of them had agreed there would be no future dates.

“Ah, right. His name was Mike. I was thinking about what Steve had called him the other day.” She frowned when she looked inside her empty cup. Unsure where it all had gone. “I need more to drink.”

The two girls walked through the crowd to get to the kitchen. “Why were you and Steve talking about me and Mike?”

Robin’s shoulders tensed, glancing back to look at her. “Oh… uh… we weren’t.”

Y/n could read through the blatant lie. She finished her drink rather than calling out Robin. She chose to drink a beer next, taking one out of the ice chest at the end of the island. She asked if Robin wanted one, but the girl didn’t reply.

She looked up to see her staring across the room. Following her gaze, Y/n’s eyes landed on a tall thin girl. Her hair was fiery red and curly. Freckles scattered on her face as if a painter had flicked their brush. She noticed Robin was looking at her. She smiled sweetly and gave her a tiny wave before returning to her conversation.

Robin had raised her hand, blushing profusely. The dots seemed to connect for Y/n. “You know, you should go talk to her.”

Robin snapped around, eyes huge, like she had been caught red-handed. “I- wasn’t…” She let out an exasperated sigh. “Her name’s Vickie. She’s in band with me.”

“She’s cute. I honestly didn’t expect that from you.”

“Well, most people don’t expect me to be a lesbian.”

Y/n giggled. “No, I meant I didn’t expect you to be into red-heads.”

She wasn’t sure how many drinks she had had in her system by the time she needed to use the bathroom. The air had turned stale from the sweaty bodies that polluted the house. It didn’t help that people came back inside after smoking cigarettes or weed, the stench still clinging onto their clothes.

The only bathroom that was open to guests was downstairs. The line wasn’t long, but it seemed to drag the longer she waited and the more she needed to use it. She leaned her body against the wall next to her, letting the chilled surface cool her hot cheeks.

She stood straight when Steve stumbled through the hallway. At first he didn’t notice her until she slurred his name. He stopped, and chuckled at her state. “Why are you by yourself?”

Y/n reached out and drunkenly grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. He didn’t fight it. In fact, he took his other hand and put it on top, his thumb rubbing hers. She went to her tip toes so she put her mouth close to his ear. “Robin is flirting with girls.”

Steve’s expression seemed panicked. “How’d you…?”

“Stevie, I’m a genius. I was bound to find out someday.” She giggled as if she had said the funniest thing in the world. “I let her flirt so I could wait in like to piss. I have to piss so bad.”

Steve looked at the line in front of her, sighing. “Come on.” He wrapped his arm around her. Maybe to support her. Or maybe just an excuse to touch her. He led her away from the bathroom and towards the staircase.

As they ascended, many people gave them strange looks. And some were jealous, thinking that Steve Harrington had found the girl he would spend the night with.

Y/n had known Steve as a close friend for months, and even had come over more than she could count on two hands, but she had never been inside his room. It was neat and smelled like mahogany and his cologne.

He let go of her, pointing towards another door. “Uh… there’s my bathroom.”

She smiled, thanking him before going inside. It was fairly large. A long counter with products scattered on the top. He had one of those walk in showers with glass doors.

She looked behind her just to be sure before sneaking over, picking up a nearly empty bottle of shampoo, opening and taking a sniff. Yep, it smelled exactly like him. Sweet but also like the outdoors during winter.

When she finished and walked back outside, Steve was laying on his bed, legs dangled over the side, eyes closed. She let out a breath that resembled a laugh. She walked over to him, sitting on the side and looked down.

A stray hair had fallen to his forehead. She couldn’t help but reach out and use her pointer finger to brush it back. She jumped when his eyes snapped open. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

He groaned, sitting up. He looked bad. Not because he had drunk a lot but also because he looked as if he hadn’t slept well lately.

“We should get back to the party,” Y/n suggested.

“No.” He had said it quickly, like a snap. It wasn’t meant to be harsh, but he realized how rash he sounded. “Sorry. I had meant I wanted to stay here for a bit. But you can go.”

She bit her lip. Surely he didn’t think she was going to leave him by himself. Instead of words, she grabbed his hand. Silently saying she would stay.

A few minutes passed by of the two of them sitting in the dark room, listening to voices from outside. The moon casted a milky light through his window, making shadows dance on the wall in front of them. Y/n nudged Steve, laughing. “Am I super drunk, or does that shadow on the wall look like a dick?”

Steve narrowed his eyes, trying to see what she was looking at. His shoulder brushed against hers as he joined in her laughter. “Yeah. It really does.”

“It compliments the room well,” she joked.

He pushed his body into her side softly. “I’ll think about it next time we redecorate the house. I think my mom will be ecstatic.”

There was a beat where they laughed harder, looking at one another. She had taken her hand away from him to cover her mouth. He had taken his hands and covered his face. Y/n took note how they were large enough to hide all of his features.

The laughter subdued gradually, both of them putting their hands back into their laps as they calmed down. Y/n sighed to fill in the silence. “I’m going to go find Robin. She’s probably looking for me. Do you want to come with me?”

“I think I’m going to stay here for a few more minutes. You know, so no one gets the wrong idea.” He smirked.

She scoffed. “I think they already had the wrong idea when you brought me up here.” She smiled. “Thank you, by the way. I probably would’ve pissed my pants if it weren’t for you.”

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t be dramatic.”

She pushed him slightly. “Asshole.” The pair locked eyes, making her stomach flip. “Seriously, thank you.” She slowly leaned in, hesitant, placing a tender kiss on his cheek.

She pulled away to get up, but Steve’s hand flew to her wrist, forcing her to stay. She was shocked, a small gasp escaped her. Even though they were already looking at one another, he seemed to be searching for something in her eyes. His Adam’s apple bobbed as his thumb swiped her cheek. “You had an eyelash,” he mumbled.

“Oh.” The back of her neck started to feel warm. “Was that all?”

“You’re so pretty.”

And it was like all the energy at the top of the rollercoaster that seemed to build over the months had finally reached the top, falling. Their lips connected. And it was more than Y/n had expected as they moved like static rubbing together, electrifying from her lips to her toes.

When she moaned, Steve took the opportunity to kiss her open-mouthed, drinking in the sound that followed. His hand gripped her hip, pulling her closer. It had to be all a dream. She needed to tangle her fingers in his hair unless he would slip away.

This wasn’t the first time she had touched his hair. Sometimes she would ruffle it when he was irritating her, or when they hung out he would lay his head on lap as she brushed her fingers through. But this time was different. It felt dirty.

He was the first to break away, his chest heaving, lips swollen, and eyes darkened. He shuddered when she went straight for his jaw, leaving a trail of kisses to his ear, slightly grazing her teeth on the lobe.

“Babe, I’m going to cum if you do that again.” He moved his head so he could place another kiss on her lips, then on her neck.

“Say that again,” she whispered.

“What?” He kissed and sucked on a spot that made her gasp his name. “Do you want me to call you babe? Was that it?”

“Yes, please.” She dug her nails into his shoulders, clenching her eyes when his hand slipped under her shirt.

“You have no idea how worked up you have me, babe.”

She placed a hand on his thigh, feeling the bulge through the denim of his jeans. She gave him a smug expression. “I think I have an idea.” She swung her leg over his so she could straddle him. Thankful for the skirt she had chosen to wear when it rode up her thigh slightly. She bucked her hips so that she could feel him twitch through the thin fabric of her underwear.

The kisses became sloppier and more heated as they continued to roam their hands all over one another.

Both their shirts ended up on the floor eventually. Followed by Y/n’s bra. His belt had been unbuckled to relieve him of the pressure.

With his mouth, he peppered kisses on her breasts, putting one in his mouth as he kneaded the other with his free hand. When he broke away, a string of saliva formed from her nipple to his lips.

He looked up at her, and he looked destroyed.

It had been everything she had dreamed. So why did she feel tears brim her eyes? She gave him a fierce kiss again, but it somehow felt… wrong. “I…” Her bottom lip quivered.

“Yes?” He tried to kiss her neck again, but she stopped him.

“I forgot about the cake!” She jumped off his lap, grabbing her bra and shirt, turning away from him to put them back on.

“Cake?” He seemed confused, pinching his nose.

“Yeah. Robin’s birthday cake. I completely forgot.” She hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Silly me.”

“Oh. Uh… yeah.” Steve’s disappointment was clear.

“Good thing I remembered. Or else we would’ve made a huge mistake.” She laughed awkwardly.

Steve stood up as well to put his shirt back on. “Mistake?”

Y/n turned back around once she was decent again. “Oh come on. We’re both very drunk. You know this wouldn’t have happened any other way.”

Steve let out a huff, running his hands through his already messy hair. His jaw ticked, refraining from saying anything else. No longer aroused, he buckled his belt and stormed past her out of his room.

It was three in the morning when Steve kicked out the last guest. Y/n and Robin were the only ones left, cleaning up all the trash around the house. Steve walked into the living room where they were giggling. And almost immediately, the energy shifted. They fell silent as he stood there, hands on his hips.

“I’m going to take a shower and go to bed. I made sure the guest room is ready.” He didn’t allow a response before he turned on his heels and left the room.

Robin waited until she heard his door shut from upstairs before opening her mouth. “Jeez. What’s his deal?”

“Who knows?” Y/n shoved a handful of trash into a bag, a bit too aggressively.

Robin eyed her for a moment, rolling her eyes. “Jesus, you two hooked up, didn’t you?”

She almost dropped what she was holding. Nevertheless, she tried to pretend not to react. “Not sure what you mean by that.”

“Oh come on. You both disappeared for an unnatural amount of time and both came back looking like a hot mess. Also your shirt has been on backwards.” Robin smirked. She was smug and had been waiting for the perfect chance to finally say her deductions out loud.

Y/n looked down, and sure enough her shirt had been backwards the whole time. Robin probably had noticed right away. Cheeky. “We didn’t hook up. We only…” She couldn’t find the right words.

“Canoodled?” Robin wiggled her brows.

Y/n threw an empty cup at her, and although she was embarrassed, she felt a laugh come up. “You’re sick, you know that?”

The brunette shrugged. “You’re sick for hooking up with our friend on my birthday.”

“Your birthday isn’t until Monday.”

Robin pointed at her. “That’s a technicality.”

She rolled her eyes, looking up at the ceiling, trying to imagine what Steve was doing. “I think I hurt his feelings.”

Robin sighed, making Y/n wonder about their conversation earlier in the night when her and Steve had talked about Y/n and Mike. Had Robin been in-between the whole time? “He’ll get over it.”

She frowned and shook her head. “No, this time it was different. I said it was a mistake.”

Her friend looked up to the sky, mouthing the words “Just kill me now.” She let a beat go by. “You two are ridiculous. It’s like cat and mouse with feelings. First you think he doesn’t like you, then he doesn’t think you like him, and then you do whatever the hell you did tonight and you still think he doesn’t like you. Everyone in a two-mile radius can tell you like one another. Hell, people in Illinois can tell. Should we tattoo it on both your foreheads? ‘I have a big fat crush on Dingus one’ and ‘I have a big fat crush on Dingus two’?”

“Thanks, Robin. You know how to cheer a girl up.” Y/n’s mouth drooled with sarcasm.

“I’d die for the two of you, but I can only take so much.” She clutched her heart dramatically.

Y/n didn’t answer, ashamed, a sheepish expression painted on her face. And it all felt obvious what she needed to do and say. She could go upstairs right now and make everything okay between her and Steve. But, she was too stubborn and instead planned on forgetting what had happened that night.

***

Trying to forget what had happened only lasted a week before she waltzed into Family Video on her break the next Friday. Steve was behind the counter helping the same blonde from Robin’s birthday party. She had giggled at something Steve had said, reaching out and straightening his vest.

He looked over at the door, his face fell at the sight of his new customer. He turned his attention back to the blonde, and Y/n could hear him say, “Have a good day.” The girl looked disappointed when she had turned around, leaving the store. It was only the two of them. But why did it feel like there was so much noise going on?

Steve watched her stand there for a few seconds until he decided to act busy. LIke she was another customer.

She sighed and came up to the counter. “H-hi.”

Steve turned his back to her. “Hello, welcome to Family Video. How can I assist you?”

“Steve.” She was exasperated and wanted to get straight to the point.

He turned around, pretending to be shocked. “Oh! Y/n, didn’t realize it was you.” He looked at his watch. “Robin doesn’t work today. There’s a basketball game.”

“I know. I came to see you.” She lifted a paper sack in her hand, placing it on the counter. He had moved his head slightly, allowing her to catch the fading bruise on his neck. Her cheeks burned when she realized what it was. “I- I brought you lunch.”

Suddenly, she felt like she was back in that classroom when he had asked for a pencil. The months of getting comfortable around him had vanished, and all words were stuck on her tongue, unable to escape. “I already ate lunch.”

He was lying and she knew he was. He turned back around, ignoring her again. She felt the anger rise, she violently grabbed the sack, throwing it loudly in the trash can by the door. Just as she was about to leave, her hand on the handle, she took a deep breath. “I know I hurt your feelings, but that gives you no right to be mean to me.” She turned around.

He was no longer messing with anything but he still faced the opposite way. She chose to continue, “I came here to make things okay. To tell you I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what you said or sorry for kissing me?”

She groaned in frustration, putting her palms on her temples, rubbing them. She didn’t want to lose her cool, but he was making it painfully hard. “Of course I’m not sorry for kissing you-”

He snapped around. “But you still think it was a mistake, right?”

She opened her mouth but quickly closed it, clenching her jaw. A tear betrayed her, rolling down her cheek. “Do you know why I first started to like you?”

He folded his arms across his chest, motioning for her to continue.

“I liked you because the first thing I learned was that you cared about others before yourself. It might sound silly, because it is, but when I was five years old, you kissed me after making me cry. This entire time I had just thought I liked you in school because you were Steve Harrington. You were cute and I couldn’t help but feel butterflies when you asked me for a pencil in seventh grade because there was a sparkle that shone in your stupid brown eyes. But I also thought that’s all it was, a school crush that I wouldn’t even remember in twenty years.

“But then you had to get a job here and make me realize how that guy in school wasn’t as selfish as everyone made him out to be. I saw it every time you made sure to be at the counter when Mrs. Higgins came in because you know she doesn’t like me. I saw it every time Dustin came around and you made sure he wasn’t in trouble. I saw it every time you came to my work and brought me lunch when I never asked you to.” She wiped the flood pouring down her face, trying to keep it together.

Steve’s face had fallen but he continued to stand there frozen.

She let out a sob, her lip quivered, looking at the ground so he couldn’t see her puffy eyes. “No, I don’t think kissing you was a mistake. I was only afraid because although the more I got close to you, and the more I liked you, the more I considered you a friend. And it felt like we were just hooking up. So it felt wrong.” She looked up at him, sniffling. “I’m sorry.” She gave him a half-hearted smile and left the store.

She began her walk back to the office, which wasn’t that far from the store. She had only gotten a few feet away when she heard the bell hastily ring, and hurried footsteps pounded against the pavement behind her. “Wait! Y/n!”

She wiped more tears on her sleeve, pushing back the lump in her throat when she turned around. His hair was disheveled and eyes red. “You didn’t give me a chance to talk.” His voice was softer than earlier. More careful, trying not to upset her. He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “I made you cry again.”

“I-it’s okay,” she mumbled.

“No, it’s not. I let my pride get in the way.” He licked his lips. “You were wrong.”

“What?” She was unsure what he meant.

Hesitant, he took her hand in his, looking at it and then back up at her. “What happened wasn’t a hook-up to me. I had been trying to ask you out for weeks but I thought you might have moved on. And when we were in my room at the party I couldn’t help but notice the moon made you glow. You looked beautiful, and I couldn’t help but finally kiss you.” He let out an awkward chuckle. “I definitely got carried away.”

She smiled shyly. “You tried to ask me out?” She gasped, eyes wide, and covered her face. “Oh my god. That’s why you asked to go to the drive-in. You wanted it to be a date.”

He laughed at her reaction, nodding. “Don’t worry. I was a little rusty. You make me nervous.”

She smirked, poking him in the chest. “What? I make Steve Harrington nervous?”

He rolled his eyes, but grinned cheekily nonetheless. “Can you blame me? I did just admit how pretty I think you are.”

There was a beat as they locked eyes. He reached out and put his hand on the side of her face, stepping closer, parting his lips as his face neared hers.

However, she stopped him. She raised her brows and let a smug smile appear. “You’re going to kiss me even though you haven’t asked me on a date yet?”

Flabbergasted, Steve laughed in disbelief. “Seriously?”

She took a step back and crossed her arms. Mimicking what he did to her earlier.

He sighed and stood up straight. He then cleared his throat dramatically. “Y/n, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to a nice dinner tomorrow night?”

She gave him a toothy smile, giggling. “I’d be very delighted.”

“Pick you up at seven?” He asked.

She nodded. “Perfect.”

“Okay, then I guess I’ll see you then.” Steve took her hand, placing a soft kiss. He gave her a sweet goodbye before he turned around to go back to the store which probably had been left unoccupied for too long.

She looked at her watch, seeing that she still had fifteen minutes left of her break. Smiling to herself, she chased after Steve, tapping him on the shoulder before he reached the door. He turned around, brows furrowed, probably wondering if she had forgotten something.

She grabbed him by the vest, pulling him towards her, their lips crashed against one another. He was shocked at first. However, he melted when her lips started to push and pull against his. His hand wrapped around to the small of her back, the other on the back of her neck, pulling her closer.

And they both felt like they were floating in the air. To her, it was like that random Tuesday in December, where her stomach fluttered and her heart pounded against her chest. It felt surreal. It was more than she had imagined.

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icu-now · 30 days

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happy womens day to everyones favorite woman

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icu-now · 30 days

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Steve angst Steve angst Steve angst!!! Maybe set after the "you're bullshit" and his first instinct is to go to your place and talk about it bc he needs comfort but then he slips ans accidentally says he's not even in love with Nancy but ut seems like it was his best try so far of getting over this person he's desperately in love with (the reader ofc, we're perfect lol) het gows on a rant of how no one will love him bc he's shitty and the reader is dumbfounded bc like wdym shitty, this cutie pie? How dare he speak about himself like that

‘ANGST ANGST ANGST’ we all cheer. i LOVE this idea and will never get tired of it. thank you for requesting! i apologize for it taking so long and i hope i do it justice! w; mentions of st*ncy timeline.

steve sits on the ground with you, back against your bed. his stupid glasses had been thrown onto your bed when he had stepped inside.

one arm rests on his knee, his other resting next to your body.

your head was leaned back against the soft blankets that covered your bed. “you okay?”

he lifts his brows, shrugging. “i’m fine… i just-” he stops, rubbing his lips together.

you frown, hand resting on his as you grip softly. his eyes are quick to look down at your soft hand. “it’s okay to talk about what you’re feeling, steve… i won’t judge you.”

the boy was one to always hold his emotions in - a sign of weakness is what he believed it to be.

“i’m not sad,” your brows pinches together. “i’m not even angry.”

“what? she said she-”

“it’s better if she said it rather than me.” he blurts, lips forming into a straight line.

you blink slowly, tilting your head. “what does… what does that exactly mean?”

“i, uh, this might not sound exactly… right, but i wasn’t exactly in love with nance. yeah, maybe for a small moment i believed i was?” he shakes his head. “i don’t know. it’s confusing. all i know is that i… did it so i could get over someone else, because there is absolutely no way they love me back the same way and-”

“steve, woah. slow down,” you laugh softly, hand sliding up his arm. “breathe. and to think someone wouldn’t love you is silly. anyone who doesn’t love you is a fool.”

“do you love me?”

you short circuit momentarily, staring at the boy who had come to you for comfort.

“i…” you pause. “how?”

“love me… or love me.”

you look away quickly. “i love you.” you nod.

“really?” he breathes out. “i wasted all that time dating someone when i could’ve just asked you?”

you smile softly, peeking up at him. “there’s time to make up for it.”

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icu-now · 1 month

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another bimrwolf classic. I NEED HIM SO BAD ACTUALLY😭😭😭😭😭i love steve and false unrequited love but they actually love each other 😭😭😭😭😭 i’ll be waiting for the day i forget this fic so i can read it again

Let's Meet in the Middle

steve harrington x afab!reader words: 8,603 warnings: ermmm for once no smoot and not edited LMAO im lazy anyways summary: Secretly yearning for your friend and no one notices is a blessing and curse at the same time. a/n: oh boyyyyyyy i havent wrote in ages. im a lil rusty lmao

The twinkling milky stars stretched across the deep pool of midnight, casting an illuminating glow over Sugar Maple Park. It was the only park nestled in the small town of Hawkins. Four swings, a merry-go-round, and a jungle gym. In the corner there was a soon-to-be skateboard ramp under construction.

You were laying on top of a wooden table, legs dangling over the edge, arms crossed over your stomach, and eyes closed. The crickets sang their summer song and from a distance you could hear an owl hooting. The sweet smells of maple and pine made you feel at peace.

There was the sound of tires dragging against the loose gravel, pulling into the small parking area, headlights glaring. And although your eyes were closed, the bright light made you squint. The car turned off and the doors opened. The engine running had been replaced with arguing voices.

“I’m telling you, Michaelangelo is far superior than Leonardo. His abilities are out of this world.”

“Dude, not only is Leonardo smart but he is the most disciplined and trained. Thus, making him the best.”

Their footsteps made a crunch sound, getting louder as they approached you. You sat up, a little sad that the peace was over, but that didn’t stop you from greeting the two strangers– who were not really strangers– with a big smile. Steve and Robin continued their argument as Robin hopped on top of the table next to you, throwing her arm over your shoulder. Steve stood in front of you two, hands on his hips.

“Are we seriously arguing over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, again?” You had rolled your eyes, but couldn’t deny that you were intrigued with what they both had to say. You nudged your foot against Steve’s leg. “I would think that nerd shit wouldn’t interest you.”

Steve huffed. “Mutant Ninja Turtles is not nerdy. It’s badass.”

You and Robin shared a laugh. You knew she didn’t actually care for the show, but she loved to piss off Steve as much as she could. “Did you bring it or did I sit out here for ten minutes for nothing?”

Steve looked over at Robin, giving her a pointed look, letting her know that the conversation was not over. Robin rummaged into the breast pocket on her shirt, pulling out a nicely packed joint. “Eddie promised us it isn’t the cheap shit this time.”

Steve threw a lighter towards you to light it. Robin was the one to take the first hit, then you, and finally Steve. “When will I ever get to meet this Eddie Munson?”

They gave each other another look. The same look you had seen them give each other for five months since you had moved to Hawkins. The look full of secrets, too afraid to put you on it. Because what if it was too much? Or maybe because you wouldn’t understand. Either way you respected their decisions not to share whatever it was.

You had met Robin and Steve your second day in Hawkins. Your father had been hired to help rebuild the town after a massive earthquake. Everything about the town seemed shady. It wasn’t just Steve and Robin who hid the secrets of the town. It was everyone.

You should be upset. Agitated. Furious. But you weren’t. Well, to be honest, at first you were a bit irritated with the hushed whispers, but the more you got to know the duo, you realized it wasn’t to exclude you or to be mean. It was to protect you.

And maybe the secret that bubbled inside you made up for it.

You tried not to stare too long at Steve’s pink lips as he took a drag of the joint. The way he licked his bottom lip after he blew the trail of smoke out, sighing loudly. “Tough day?” You didn’t mean to make it aware that you were watching him. That you were paying attention. But like always, no one seemed to notice that your question was deeper than just a check-in. You quickly averted your gaze to the joint that had found its way back to you.

“He’s had to work doubles all week because this guy Martin has mono.” Robin answered for him.

“He’s lucky.” Steve grumbled. “The time off part, not the mono.”

Robin elbowed you. “He’s lying. He’s so touched starved. He complained for an hour that he wished he had mono because it meant that he was actually–”

“Okay, Robin. I think she gets it.” Steve grabbed the joint from your hand, fingers brushing against yours. Did you just imagine him pausing, looking at you endearingly? Must have because he turned away and walked to the swing sets.

“Aw man, he could have at least left the jay with us.” Robin frowned, leaning back, elbows holding herself up. “Don’t mind him. He’s been in a pissy mood since Esther Clark called him a geek when he asked her out last week.”

“I didn’t know he was crushing on anyone.” You hoped you didn’t sound jealous. “I mean, because he doesn’t really talk to me about that sort of thing.” Nice save, you thought.

But Robin didn’t seem to notice the waver in your voice. “Steve likes anyone with long hair and boobs.” She looked over at you, eyeing you from top to bottom. “Surprised he hasn’t made a pass at you yet.”

You awkwardly laughed, eyes wide, and looked over to make sure Steve was still moping on the swingset. “Yeah, like that would ever happen. Me and him would… ha… it’s hilarious just thinking about it. He’s totally not my type.”

Robin shrugged. “That’s what I love about you. The one girl who isn’t my friend to get to Steve.”

You smiled weakly, looking at your fidgeting hands, something you always did when you weren’t exactly telling the truth. You had only lived in Hawkins for eight months, but it only took three for you to wake up in the middle of the night and realize you felt more for the brown haired boy. No one had caught onto you either, keeping it quiet, going on dates with random boys you didn’t care about.

Robin grabbed your hand and dragged you towards the swing sets, letting go to plop in the one right next to Steve. She leaned over to lay her head on his shoulder. You felt a pang of jealousy on how easy it was for them to be friends. How they could put an arm around the other without it being weird or romantic.

Whenever Steve even looked in your direction your whole world spun.

You kicked the mulch, hugging yourself, softly laughing at a joke that Robin and Steve really only understood. Pretending was so much easier.

***

Eddie Munson was erratic, eccentric, obnoxious, but probably the most real and down to earth guy you had met. He was hilarious, making your friends laugh more than you had ever seen them laugh.

Robin and Steve finally orchestrated a get together that involved Eddie Munson. Steve picked Robin and you up, and drove about ten minutes out of city limits, pulling up to a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. You couldn’t help but feel your heart race. This was Robin and Steve’s evil plan all along. They spent these past months getting you comfortable when really they were trying to kill you.

But then a man burst through. His hair was short and curly. You could see scars run up his face. It was clear he had a story, but that didn’t seem to matter from the huge, cheesy grin on his face. “My my my. Thought you guys weren’t gonna come.”

Steve had his window rolled down, and you could see him roll his eyes when you glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “Can you just get in? Don’t want to get you back past your curfew.”

It confused you. By the look of Eddie, he looked well past the age to still have a curfew.

Eddie blew out a raspberry, picked up a bag on the ground and strode over to the car. He must have not realized you were there until he approached the back door, brows furrowed when he saw you. You quickly scooted to the other side, thinking you were most likely in his usual spot.

Eddie didn’t say anything as he opened the door and got in, throwing his bag on the floorboard. Or at least, never said anything to question your existence. He threw his head back and sighed. “Thank god you guys called me. My uncle was trying to convince me to help him with what to wear to his date tonight.” He rubbed his face.

“No way, Wayne has a hot date tonight?” Robin turned to face him, a big smile on her face. “Is it JoAnn from Dolli’s? I’ve been telling him for months he should ask her out.”

Eddie chuckled. “Yeah, he stayed with her until the diner closed one night, and she calls him almost every day.” Eddie leaned over and patted Steve on his shoulder. “Sorry man. I bet it’s hard hearing that my fifty-something-year-old Uncle is getting more action than you.”

Steve let out a sarcastic laugh. You swore he glanced into the rearview mirror and looked at you. But his gaze left as quick as it came. You couldn’t help but look away, flustered.

It was then Eddie finally acknowledged you. “And you must be the fair maiden that my friends have been spending so much time with.” He had a warm smile across his face.

You told him your name, holding out your hand. He took it. “Name’s Eddie Munson. You can just call me Eds, or even good-looking if you want.”

You let out a laugh that sounded more like a cackle.

Robin reached over and his leg. “Put your dick back in your pants, dude. This is why we don’t introduce you to strangers.”

Eddie seemed to have a permanent cheesy grin on his face. “Can you blame me? I’ve been on house arrest for almost a year. When I see a pretty girl, it’s pretty much an insult not to make a move.” He looked over at you. “Don’t worry, won’t do it again. I just didn’t realize when Steve said you were pretty he actually meant it.”

You felt that flustered heat rise up again. Pretty. Steve thought you were pretty? You couldn’t react. You couldn’t let anyone know that your stomach was burning with butterflies. “House arrest?” You took the changing the subject route.

Eddie sighed, shrugged, and pulled up his pant leg to reveal an ankle monitor. “You guys didn’t tell her she’d be hangin’ with a criminal?”

Steve spoke up. “He’s not even a criminal… well… not the way people thought he was.”

You should probably start thinking about how this was all a plan to kill you. But when you looked over at Eddie, the sincerity that gleamed in his eyes made you give him a small smile.

The rest of the car ride was mostly filled with Robin and Eddie bickering back and forth. You would join in the conversation if needed. And once in a while you swore you would catch Steve’s eyes in the mirror, both of you quickly looking away.

You had always been scared of heights. Something with the anticipation of potentially falling, landing with a thud. It made your knees wobble. You looked down at the creek beneath you, Steve looking up at you as you clutched the rope tightly tied to a branch above you.

“C’mon, we’re not getting any younger.” Robin said behind you.

You gave her a helpless look. “I shouldn’t have come up here. I can just climb back down.” Actually, the thought of you climbing down the steep hill of rocks made your stomach churn.

You heard Steve call your name. “What’s wrong?”

You couldn’t help but scoff. “Are you kidding? I am facing death right now. I can’t believe you and Rob convinced me to get up here.”

You felt Robin slightly pull you back. “Here. I’ll show you how easy it is.” With no hesitation, Robin grabbed the rope, ran forward, and swung into the air. She let go and her arms flapped until she wrapped them around her knees. Her, Steve, and Eddie who was sitting on dry land reading a book, all laughed as she crashed into the water.

Steve ran his hands through his hair, a playful smirk on his face when he looked back up to you. He took a moment as if thinking about something before he began to swim back to land. You watched as he quickly jogged to the edge of the hill. He joined you at the top.

“This is so embarrassing,” you mumbled.

He chuckled. “Don’t be embarrassed. It took me months to get over my fear of swimming places like this.” He motioned for you to grab the rope again.

You did as you were told, giving him another pitiful look. “I’m going to die.”

“You’re not gonna die. I’m gonna jump with you.” He grabbed the rope, his hands beneath yours.

“Are you crazy? The rope is going to snap in two!” Your heart started to beat fast when his bare chest touched your arm as he scooted closer.

He rolled his eyes. “Me and Rob do it all the time. Do you trust me?” His eyelashes fanned over his cheeks. His deep pools were probably the only thing you wanted to jump into.

You bit your lip, giving him a nod of approval. He grinned from ear to ear, backing up to get the momentum to run. “Why were you afraid of the water?”

Steve looked at the ground. “That story isn’t ready to be told.”

You had never really talked to Steve like this before. In fact, you never spoke to him alone. You leaned into him, bumping your shoulder into his. “Well, I’ll be here when that time comes.”

He looked up, a glint in his eyes. “You ready? I’ll tell you when to let go.”

The two of you ran forward. You shouted in fear as you swung over the edge. Steve then shouted for you to let go and you did. Your screams turned into laughter when you felt the wind kiss your cheeks. You felt like you were flying.

Steve met the water first and you joined in not long after. When you resurfaced, Steve’s face was the first thing you saw. It was out of instinct. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. Steve’s hands grabbed you by your waist, lifting you up into the air, making you squeal. “Look at her now. Facing her fears.”

You laughed as he threw you back into the water. You splashed him before swimming back to land. The sudden brave act made your stomach rumble, and you decided to eat one of the sandwiches Robin made.

Once you got your sandwich, you made yourself comfortable on a blanket right next to Eddie. He still had his jeans on but no shirt. You tried not to focus on his tattoos and many scars on his pale skin. You wondered if the story behind them had to do with the earthquake in Hawkins. If it had to do with Steve afraid of water. You leaned forward to see what book he was reading.

You hummed, taking a bite out of your sandwich, watching Steve and Robin arguing about Ninja Turtles again. You did a lot of that, watching.

“So, you ever gonna tell him?” Eddie broke your concentration on a water bug spinning around, making tiny ripples in the creek.

You swallowed, furrowing your brows. “Hm?”

Eddie wasn’t looking at you, his eyes still in his book. “You ever gonna tell Stevie boy you like him?”

You guffawed at the remark. “I- I don’t like Steve.” Panic washed over you. You wondered if maybe you were more obvious than you thought. “He’s like totally not my type.”

Eddie snorted. “Yeah. Okay.”

You opened your mouth, but whatever was going to be said stayed on your tongue because Robin and Steve walked over to the two of you. Robin sat down next to you and laid down with her arms behind her head. “You guys, I’m so ready to get out of here.”

Robin was going to college in a few months. She rarely brought it up knowing Steve was upset at the idea of his best friend leaving. You smiled, happy for your new friend. “I feel like I still have so much to learn about the place.”

Robin puckered her bottom lip. “Aw babe, it’s okay. At least you’ll still have Steve, and Eddie if he ever gets off house arrest.”

You glanced over at the freckled boy, noticing a mole on his stomach which was right next to similar scars that Eddie had. Steve kicked the dirt a little, pouting. “Rob, why do you have to be such a buzzkill?”

Robin had her eyes shut from the glare of the sun, but you could see her roll them beneath her lids. “You act like you don’t have other friends, dingus.” She smirked at a new thought that crossed her mind. “Can’t the girls in town keep you busy while I’m gone?”

Your stomach knotted, and you felt Eddie look over at you, wiggling his brows. “Harrington has gotten older and wiser. He’s looking for a fair maiden to settle down with.”

You knew if you reacted, Eddie would figure out you had a crush on Steve. Well, he already knew, but it would only confirm his suspicions. No one could know.

Robin snorted, “At his rate I’ll graduate before Steve goes steady with anybody.”

“Must you speak about me like I’m not here?” Steve put his hands on his hips. It was kind of cute when he got irritated, a small wrinkle appeared between his brows. “I’ll have you know I’m going out with Carol on Tuesday.”

Robin’s nose scrunched. “Didn’t you already go out with her? Said her breath smelt like tuna?”

Steve shook his head. “No, that was Carol Dill, I’m talking about Carol Fists.”

“Fists? I know what she can fist.” Robin and Eddie burst out laughing as Steve groaned in disgust, saying something about how Robin always ruins things. You pretended to smile at the joke. However, your stomach twisted. You knew Steve dated, but you never took into account the amount of girls he had gone out with.

Robin once told you he had only been in one serious relationship, but it ended badly. You didn’t know her name or what she looked like. A part of you wished you did so you could see what it took to stand out from the pool of girls. Were you that uninteresting?

Robin and Steve asked if you wanted to join them in one last jump, but you opted out, saying you were tired. They both shrugged and made a bet who could get to the top first. You waited until they were far enough before you brought your knees to your chest, biting your bottom lip. “Is it that obvious?” You didn’t look at Eddie but you directed the question to him.

It took him a moment to figure out what you meant. “Mm, only if you are one who observes the smallest of details.”

You let out a sigh. “Please don’t tell him.”

Eddie let out a laugh. “Sweetheart, I don’t kiss and tell. He probably wouldn’t believe me, anyway. He never thinks girls out of his league like him.”

There was an involuntary scoff that came out of you. “Don’t bullshit me. I am not out of his league.” You heard Robin scream, arms flailing as she fell off the cliff. Steve was bent over laughing which made you assume he had pushed her. He then ran and jumped off, making you smile as he cackled.

“If you don’t want people to figure it out, maybe you should stop staring at him with that stupid smile.” You realized if this was the birth of a new friendship, Eddie was going to give you hell. He must be bored being under house arrest and all.

***

Fourth of July at the Harrington’s was a big deal. The front door was adorned in red, white, and blue streamers. It looked like Uncle Sam had thrown up walking up the steps.

Robin kept slapping Eddie, who had recently gotten off of house arrest, because he kept trying to unbutton his polo that Steve had let him borrow. It was the only way Steve’s parents would allow him for the festivities. If he looked presentable.

But even looking presentable did not take his personality, eyeing all the wives and widows that walked past him.

You on the other hand were secretly sulking because Steve was across the living room, his arm wrapped around the new girl he had been seeing. You think her name was Lacy? You didn’t talk to her too long because it was like talking to a brick wall with breasts.

Robin scoffed when she heard Lacy laugh, clutching onto Steve. “Dear Lord, he’s really lowering his standards every day.”

You cracked a smile, hiding it behind your cup of punch, catching Eddie looking at you with a smirk. You prayed he wouldn’t say anything. “I’m pretty sure I heard her ask if Rome existed during the Roman Empire while Mrs. Harrington was showing some painting.”

You and Robin had to look away from one another, knowing you’d cause a scene if you laughed. It was like word vomit, jealousy had taken over you. “I don’t know what he sees in any of these girls. He’s like attracted to these non-spectacular bimbos just because they have big boobs.”

You heard Robin whisper your name, and her elbow into your ribs. You laughed when you looked up at your friend but her eyes were full of panic, glancing at something in front of you.

You turned your gaze to see Steve and Lacy in front of you. Lacy didn’t seem to realize who you were talking about. However, Steve’s jaw ticked. Lacy tried to get closer to him and he reacted by removing his arm from her and walking away.

“Uh hello? You’re going to leave without saying anything?” She called after him. He didn’t reply as he made his way to the staircase that you knew led up to his bedroom. Lacy huffed, “Whatever.” She crossed her arms and stomped elsewhere. You kind of felt bed for speaking badly about a girl who had no clue about your feelings. But it felt worse knowing you had hurt Steve.

You looked at your feet, ashamed of what you had said. “Didn’t Steve say his dad had a gun cabinet?”

Robin smacked your arm. “Not funny.”

“I thought the clueless look on non-spectacular bimbo was funny.” Eddie’s grin went from ear to ear. You and Robin looked at him with narrowed eyes. He put his hands up in defense. “Too soon?”

You groaned, turning around, laying your forehead on the wall behind you. “I’m such an idiot.”

“Jesus Christ. You like him,” Robin proclaimed.

Eddie laughed. “Wait, you didn’t know?”

You felt Robin roll her eyes. “She has literally never said or done anything that made me think… ugh this ruins everything. I thought you were different.”

You snapped your head to face her, brows furrowed. “How does this ruin everything?” You noticed people looking over at you, listening to the commotion.

“Maybe we should lower our voices,” Eddie mumbled.

The scoff that Robin made sounded like Are you kidding me? “Girls never want to be my friend unless they want to get closer to him. Then you came along and didn’t immediately start drooling. I thought I had hope.”

You opened your mouth to defend yourself but you snapped it back shut. Your lips pursed together and you swallowed a large lump down your throat. You didn’t mean to start liking Steve. She was overreacting. “You don’t know anything Robin. And what does it matter? You’re leaving in like three weeks.”

“Not the point,” Robin said through bared teeth.

Eddie awkwardly steered some bystanders away, convincing them everything was okay.

You shook your head, laughing in disbelief. “I get it now. This whole time you’ve been jealous.”

“Excuse me?” Robin was fuming, almost nose to nose.

“Admit it, you’re in love with Steve and can’t stand that he chooses all these boring girls over you.”

You must have touched a sore spot that even Eddie was aware of because before Robin could do anything, he stepped between the two of you. He looked at Robin, giving her an assuring look before back at you. Immediately you felt desolate and little. You didn’t belong, because in only one look you knew Eddie was going to back up his friend. “Maybe you should…” he shrugged, motioning to the door.

You looked between the two of them, Robin faced away from you, but you could see her glassy eyes, brimmed with tears. Your heart sank, wanting to take everything you said in only ten minutes back in your mouth. But you were too stubborn to admit you might have been in the wrong. “Screw you both.” You pivoted, and suddenly the picture of Lacy looked familiar as you stormed out of the Harrington’s house.

It took you three days to find yourself at the front door of Robin’s house. You knew she would be home because she talked about it a few days ago. She would be packing for her move. When she answered the door, her face was expressionless. You held up a basket of banana muffins, her favorite. You smiled awkwardly. “Can I come in?”

You could tell by the grip she had on the door that she wanted to slam in your face. Nonetheless, she sighed and opened it wider for you to walk through. “Sorry about the mess. Packing and all.” Her voice was quiet as she led you to her bedroom. Sure enough, clothes, boxes, and other items were scattered all over her bed and floor. “Just got done packing my voodoo doll of Steve,” she joked.

You winced. One thing about Robin, she wasn’t beating around the bush on any confrontation. “Look, Rob. I didn’t mean what I said. LIke truly. I was the one that was jealous and always have been of your relationship with Steve. You two have all this history and I can’t compete with that.”

Robin ran her fingers through her hair. “Steve and I have been through a lot of shit… like a lot. But it’s not like that.”

You couldn’t help but perk up at the last part.

She continued, “I just don’t understand why you never said anything to me. That you thought you had to keep it a secret.” She plopped down on the ground, her arms hanging off her knees.

You followed the lead by also sitting on the ground, legs crossed. “I just didn’t want to be like every other girl I guess. I knew it wasn’t going to happen so I never said anything.”

Robin thought carefully of her next words. “I can’t deny that you were right.” She started to mess with a loose string on her shirt. “I was sort of jealous.”

Your face softened. “Rob, listen, I can get over him. It’s like a schoolgirl crush.”

The brunette put her face into her hands and groaned loudly. “No… I didn’t mean I was jealous of you.”

“Of Lacy?”

Robin bit her lip, looking away from you. Tears started to form at the corner of her eyes and she wiped one with the back of her hand. She sniffled and shook her head. “No.” She faced you again, “I was jealous of Steve.”

Your brows furrowed. Why was she jealous of him? Your eyes widened. “Oh.” You tried your best not to react extravagantly. It was mostly a reaction of guilt and understanding why Eddie jumped to her defense so quickly. You swallowed something hard. Your cheeks started to heat up. “So the person you like…”

Robin let out a breathy laugh, wiping her nose. “Not like where it consumes me but I can’t deny the idea crosses my mind once in a while.”

You couldn’t help but leap and hug her. “Rob, I value your friendship so much. Thank you for being so vulnerable.”

“I guess we both are good at keeping secrets, huh?” Robin asked once you broke apart.

You smiled. “Eddie too. He figured it out the first day I met him.”

She burst out laughing. “He figured out I’m a lesbian in like two days. For a man who won’t ever shut up he somehow sees things we don’t in a matter of minutes.”

There was a beat.

“Have you spoken to Steve?” You looked away shyly.

Robin smirked, rolling her eyes playfully. “He’s fine. You just hurt his ego a little bit. I think he misses you.”

You blew a raspberry. “Whatever.”

“Why do you think I was jealous? He definitely likes you and that moment I found out you liked him too, I knew it would be a matter of time.” Robin no longer looked sad, in fact she looked ecstatic. She blushed. “I think I only had feelings because you were the first girl who didn’t express feelings for him. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

Your mind had so many things to address. “No, I’m sorry for not being truthful. There were many reasons I never said anything. Number one being I valued our friendship more than anything.”

Robin reached over, placing her hand on your knee. “I don’t want to be the middleman. I’ve done that for him for almost two years. All I will say, he dates these uninteresting bimbos because he thinks those are the only girls who will ever like him. You should talk to him.”

You left Robin’s house two hours later. You both spent time packing, laughing about the summer, and telling her when you started having feelings for Steve. You both also cried because Robin was leaving. You had to convince her out of staying that college was meant for her.

The next day Robin asked you to go bowling. What she didn’t care to mention was that Steve and Eddie would be there. However it didn’t surprise you. You were tempted with running out the door, however; but Robin grabbed your arm quickly as if she knew your plan and walked you to the lane.

Eddie was facing you both, a childlike grin plastered on his face.

“Well well well. Isn’t it the two fighting pussycats?” Eddie stuck his tongue out of the corner of his mouth.

You could only see the back of Steve’s head. He had chosen to wear a baseball cap to hide his hair. He didn’t turn around, but he peeked over his shoulder, quickly averting his gaze to the ground as he put on his bowling shoes.

Robin walked up to Eddie, smacking him on the back of his head. “That was a gross comment, Munson.”

He rubbed the spot she had just hit. “Geez. Twas just a joke.” He then looked up at her, grinning. “I could’ve said it was kind of hot. But did I?”

Robin thumped his forehead this time.

“You make me want to scream sometimes.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

“That’s funny, your mom said the same thing to me last night.” Eddie and Steve burst out laughing. Robin looked like she wanted to strangle Eddie. Yet, she didn’t react. She plopped in the seat next to him and put her shoes on.

You followed by sitting next to Steve, avoiding any type of eye contact. You noticed Eddie and Robin giving one another look. The awkwardness between you and Steve was too suffocating not to notice.

Your mind raced if he knew your feelings or did Robin and Eddie not say anything? Robin did say she wasn’t meddling but nosey is Eddie’s middle name.

You opened your mouth to say something, anything, to Steve, but he had already gone up to enter names and take his turn. You looked at your hands, defeated.

And so it was like a tug-of-war. When Steve talked, he only spoke to Robin and Eddie. He wasn’t excluding you on purpose but whenever he spoke he never looked at you. Whenever you tried to enter the conversation or talked he’d act uninterested.

You even tried to flirt, going up to him personally and saying what a good bowler he was and if he could give you any tips. He glanced over at the scoreboard, noticing you were in second place. “M’think you have the hang of it.”

You could hear Eddie wince audibly for you. You shit daggers his way before turning around and rolling the ball down your lane. This bowling alley was not on your side because you somehow made a strike.

“Good job! I guess the trick is to make you pissed off.” Eddie laughed at his own comment. Robin elbowed him in his side, whispering that now was not the time.

“I’m not pissed off,” you defended, feeling your cheats heat up with embarrassment. “I’m fine, perfectly fine!”

Steve still was not looking at you, rather the ground.

You stormed up to him. “Are you just going to ignore me the whole night? You won’t give me a chance to even apologize because you’re acting like a child.”

He didn’t flinch.

You threw your hands up. “I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings the other day. I can own up that I shouldn’t have said it. But dude, it freaking sucks when I see you wasting your time on people who don’t care about you.” You regretted speaking up now, mostly because of other people looking over in your direction. You pursed your lips, trying not to cry. “Thanks for inviting me, Rob, but I think it’s time for me to go.” You stopped her and Eddie before they tried to argue.

You walked out of the building and sat in your car processing everything. Robin was moving away and now you had lost one of the only friends you had in this stupid town.

***

You contemplated knocking on the front door to the Harrington household for nearly fifteen minutes before committing. You let out a sigh of relief when it had been Robin who answered the door. Almost immediately you wrapped your arms around her.

“Hey, no crying. I told you that yesterday.” Her hug didn’t reflect her words as she pulled you in tighter. “Thank you for coming.”

She knew you almost didn’t.

Everyone was in Steve’s backyard, Robin told you, explaining that was the only way his parents allowed Robin’s going away party to happen if all the activities were not in the house. She even made a joke that his mom probably didn’t want them using the bathrooms.

You felt nervous when you heard all the voices walking to the backyard. You didn’t recognize anyone. It didn’t seem to phase anyone when you appeared with Robin. Eddie was lounging on a chair, talking to a dark-haired scrawny boy. He called out your name, greeting you. It brought the attention of others, including Steve.

He was in the pool, laughing with a girl you thought looked familiar but had no idea who she was. She was petite and shiny brown hair. This was the first time in weeks you had seen him, and he had actually acknowledged your presence. He smiled half-heartedly and gave you a small wave.

Robin grabbed your hand, dragging you towards the pair. “Rob, I don’t think–”

“Nance! I want you to finally meet who I’ve been telling you about.” Robin laid her arm on top of your shoulders.

Nance smiled. It was warm and inviting. “Steve said you were pretty.”

You peered at Steve who had begun to submerge himself into the water, his face still poking out. “It’s nice to meet you Nance.”

She chuckled. “Actually, it’s Nancy. Nancy Wheeler.”

You smiled at her. You normally found it hard to talk to new people, but she somehow seemed to make everyone around her comfortable. “How do you know Robin and Steve?”

Everyone gave each other a look, silently saying something that you didn’t understand. It was the same look Eddie would also give them whenever you asked a too personal question that no one knew how to answer. It was like they all were hiding something.

“We were close when the earthquake hit.” Nancy answered, smiling warmly. You felt not everything was being said but it didn’t matter. You knew you could trust there was a reason they didn’t say.

The afternoon consisted of conversations with all of Steve and Robin’s friends. Most of them were in college or had moved off. Your favorite was a curly haired boy named Dustin who seemed to have a special connection with Steve. It was like they were complete opposites but also shared the same mind.

Steve had spoken little to you, but it was a step up from ignoring you. It hurt knowing that you two were no longer friends. Yet, you accepted it. Even when you had gone to grab a drink out of the cooler outside, and Steve’s hand touched yours when he went to grab it at the same time. Or when you had found yourself sitting next to him, his shoulder still damp from pool water, brushing your bare arm. You swore when he laughed he leaned into you.

It wasn’t until you had gone inside to use the restroom, finding yourself in one of the hallways looking at all the pictures on the wall. They consisted of wedding photos of his parents, family portraits, and a lot of pictures of Steve. That’s when you caught the picture of Steve and Nancy on the wall. Your heart plummeted a little as you realized why you recognized her. Granted, it was only from what you assumed to be their prom, but she must be the girl Robin had talked about.

“That seems so long ago.” You jumped at the voice that came from behind you. Your shoulders relaxed when you peered behind your shoulder to see it was Steve. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“No, it’s okay. I didn’t know you were there, that’s all.” You looked away from him, still embarrassed from everything that had been going on these past few weeks. You had made your apologies, and although you felt like he should apologize too, you just wanted your friend back.

He stepped forward so he’d be shoulder to shoulder with you, but he didn’t say anything. At first. “Isn’t it weird we think we meet everyone we’re gonna meet when we’re young?”

You looked back at the prom picture. “I wouldn’t have wanted you to meet me in high school.”

He laughed. “I wouldn’t want you to meet me either. I was a true asshole.”

“What changed? A girl?” You motioned to the picture on the wall.

Steve took a moment. You could tell he was thinking about what he would say next. “No. I was still a pretty big asshole. It was more of the break-up part that I decided I needed to grow up.” He looked down at you, but you avoided eye contact. “I guess I’m still not doing a great job.”

Your face softened, finally catching his gaze. “You are. We all have moments when we're assholes.”

“Yeah, but I never apologized for giving you the cold shoulder. After hearing what you said I had a lot of… self-evaluation.” Steve licked his lips. “I haven’t gone on a date in weeks.”

You took a second to process. “How is that going?”

He smiled, nodding his head. “It’s been good. I guess I was a serial dater because I was afraid of being alone.” His shoulder brushed yours. “I think I took my friendships for granted.”

The warmth of his hand made your stomach flip. You needed to tell him. “Steve.” Your tongue felt dry.

“Thank you for being patient with me. It’s nice knowing that even though Robin won’t be here I’ll still have a good friend around.” He patted you on the shoulder. You tried not to feel the disappointment in you. Of course he only saw you as a friend.

Did you need to say something? Maybe you could grab him by the shoulders and kiss him. You didn’t, praying it would go away in due time.

***

You understood why Robin was relieved when she had made a girl friend. Between the burps and jokes you started to miss her more and more. What was worse, you realized you were spending a lot more time with Steve. You began to notice he was getting older and stronger. The shirts he wore started to hug him. Mostly because he started going on runs again. He had told you and Eddie anytime he felt lonely, he’d just put on his sneakers and sprint out the door. He must have been running a lot.

School had technically started in Hawkins. You felt lame because you didn’t apply to the community college like you said you would. Work at the museum was boring. However, you found yourself at Steve’s house trying to get in as much swimming before it got cold. Steve didn’t seem to mind.

There was one particular day you, Eddie, and Steve were meant to go to the pond you had gone too with Robin. However, when you got to Steve’s house so he could drive, a downpour of rain began. You sat on his couch while he was on the phone with Eddie, saying that the three of you could go next weekend. Your eyes followed him as he walked over, plopping right next to you. He smelt like a mix between coconuts and bourbon. He put his arms behind his head, his bicep flexing.

Your crush had definitely not gotten any better. “I guess I’ll head back home then.”

Steve furrowed his brows. “What? Are you crazy it’s like a tropical storm out there”

You kicked his leg. “I’m not defenseless, you know? I know how to drive.”

“Defenseless, no. A good driver? Not according to those curbs you hit.” Steve’s eyes were closed, but his mouth broke out into the biggest smile.

When he had made that comment you had poked him. He poked you back. You returned by poking a sensitive spot under his armpit. He was then on top of you, tickling your ribs, making you cry of laughter.

You both cooled down, the heat from his body more noticeable when you noticed how close his face was to yours. He hadn’t shaved in a few days, his rough stubbles poking around his face. You couldn’t help drag your finger across his jaw to feel them. You were unsure how it happened. Who kissed who first was the dilemma going through your mind as your lips melted together.

He supported himself by having one hand by your head, the other hand cupping your face. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Your fingers played with his hair. He hated people touching it, but good friends don’t kiss one another.

Your eyes shot wide. Steve made a grunt as you pushed him off of you, standing up quickly, feeling a little light headed from the blood rushing through you. Steve sat up on the couch, lips red and swollen. His hair disheveled. You saw him run his tongue behind his bottom lip.

You held yourself, feeling so vulnerable. “I think the rain let up. Safe to drive.” Your voice was weak.

His jaw ticked. “Oh.” As if on cue a roar of thunder shook his house, the windows lit up from a lightning bolt. He gave you a look that he didn’t need to say anything for you to understand. He didn’t want you to go, but he knew you weren’t going to stay.

You walked out of the living room and to the front door. Your hand was on the door knob, ready to open it and run out. There was an urge to turn around and so you did. Steve had followed you to the entryway.

“Why do you tell your friends that I’m pretty?” You asked him.

Steve’s chest expanded and fell back to normal. “What do you want me to say?”

You raised your hands into the air. Your voice rose. “It’s not a complicated question, Steve. Why do you tell all these people that I’m pretty?”

Steve’s tone matched yours. “Because you are?” He said it so simply. Like it was easy.

Your arms fell to your sides. “Then why have you never told me?”

Steve was taken aback. The silence between you was full of palpable tension. “Haven’t I?”

You scoffed. “No, Steve. You haven’t.”

He swallowed hard, looking off to the side.

“Listen, we don’t have to talk about this. I know you’re lonely since you haven’t been going on dates and we just got caught up in the moment. It’s fine really.” You were looking at your feet, your shoelaces loose, dragging on the floor. You thought about how last week they did the same thing and Steve had kneeled down and tied them for you.

He said your name but he didn’t move to stop you as you bolted out the door.

The next weekend you debated telling Eddie you were sick when he had called to ask if you were still down to go to the pond with him and Steve. If Eddie knew about the kiss, he didn’t say anything.

Steve must have begged to pick up Eddie first or they were already together when they came and picked you up. You sat in the back of the car, arms crossed, staring purposefully at the rearview mirror. Eddie kept going on and on about how everyone from his old band, Corroded Coffin, had either left town or started a family. Eddie told you about after the earthquake he had lost everything, including his most prized possession— his guitar.

When you arrived at the pond there was an awkward silence as everyone carried blankets and the ice chest to a spot that seemed suitable to sit on. Fortunately, the ground was dry from the few days of rain Hawkins had received over the past week. You could see trees beginning to brown, and wildflowers wilting, telling you that summer was slipping away.

You looked over at Steve arguing with Eddie about forgetting to pack sandwiches. He had gone ahead and taken off his shirt. His muscles poked out and the hair on his chest was dark and unruly. Steve walked away from Eddie, mumbling that Robin never forgot to bring food. He caught you in the act of watching him, his face turning red.

This was ridiculous. You spent weeks being mad that he was avoiding you. “You wanna race to the top?”

Steve looked over at the hill where you could see the tan rope swaying side to side. He smirked. “I’ll give you a head start.”

You didn’t take a beat to think before you pivoted and started to sprint towards the hill. It didn’t take long for Steve to catch up with you. He was going easy, keeping a steady pace slightly in front of you. You might have gone slower because you were distracted by how his butt looked in his swim trunks.

You both climbed the hill, giggling as you almost slipped. His hand on the small of your back to hold you steady. You suddenly cried out, looking at your hand. Steve immediately went into action, eyes wide with concern. “What happened?”

He adjusted himself to look at the problem. You went to show him your hand, but then you stuck your tongue out and quickly climbed faster to reach the top. Steve called out your name, calling you a cheater as you pulled yourself to the top of the hill. You laid on your back, catching your breath, laughing once you saw Steve dragging himself on the top. “That was not fair.” He was on his arms and knees laughing almost as hard as you.

It wasn’t even that funny but it felt nice to just laugh. With Steve. You sat up, your face hurt from smiling so hard. Steve’s eyes softened. They were hazy and he looked stupidly drunk. You nudged him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He blinked a few times. He sat up, taking his finger and brushing your cheek. “I couldn’t help but think how pretty you are when the sun shines on you.”

Your heart raced. Your words were struggling to form. You looked over at the pond, glistening underneath the sun. “I like you Steve but I can’t just be a fling to you.”

He looked sad. You heard your name said under his breath. “I like you so much. All this time I didn’t know what I wanted and when I met you it just got harder to click with anyone or feel the way I do about you. It was hard to avoid those feelings. I never said anything because Robin was so happy to have a girl as a friend and I couldn’t ruin that for her.”

Your cheeks were hot and you covered your face with your knees. You weren’t sure how to react hearing the boy you’ve had a crush on likes you back. The end of summer breeze kissed your nose.

His tanned skin was starting to fade, but you could still see all his freckles covering his shoulders. You leaned forward, placing your lips softly on his shoulder blade.

“Have you been to Enzo’s yet?” Steve leaned his forehead on yours, a cheesy smile painted on his face.

You messed with a loose string hanging off your swimsuit bottoms. You were almost too afraid to look him in the eyes. “Are you asking me on a date?” You had never been there. Someone told you it used to be the only nice restaurant before the earthquake. Most of the new residents didn’t go, leaving it to be a sacred place for the natives of Hawkins.

“Didn’t I just confess I like you?” Steve chuckled and you could feel the vibrations from how close he was to you.

You ducked your head, feeling flustered. “It’s intimidating to know I’m not the only person you’ve taken out on a date.”

Steve was silent for a moment, hopefully thinking carefully over a valid concern. He placed his hand on yours, trailing his fingers over yours. He then used the same hand to lift your chin up. “I don’t take just anyone to Enzo’s.”

Your heart fluttered. He was smooth. You tried to say something that Eddie was probably concerned the two of you had died or got lost. Steve disregarded it because his lips found yours.

It was soft and slow. It felt just as nice as the first time you kissed. Except now, you knew how he felt. You felt kaleidoscopic. It was overwhelming and sexy.

You hoped it would always feel like this. That anytime you felt the last moments of summer, you always remembered the beginning of a new season you had never felt before.

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icu-now · 1 month

Text

strange love - s.h.

king steve harrington x loser fem reader

everybody wants to know, if we fucked on the bathroom sink…

18+ ONLY MDNI

warnings: underage drinking (everyone is 18+), mean!dom steve, steve is a major asshole, public sex, light degradation kink, unprotected piv sex, cream pie, steve makes reader cry, some good ole’ angst

a/n: this is a reworking of my first steeb fic i ever wrote on my old account. i hope you enjoy xx. and thank you to @stveharringtn for looking this over and hyping me up. ily cherry 💕

based on strange love by halsey

word count: 2.4k

You shouldn’t have come to this stupid party.

And you wouldn’t have, if Steve hadn’t practically begged you to make an appearance. It was only going to lead to more heartbreak for you, having to watch him flirt with every girl in the room. The night would end with you going home alone, wondering why you weren’t good enough to be on his arm.

Despite all that you go anyway, your heart severely outweighing the logical side of your brain. You even made sure to wear your best dress, hoping it would capture his attention. But the male didn’t glance your way the entire night, and you felt utterly defeated.

Why you didn’t leave after an hour of being ignored is beyond you, a small part of you still holding out hope. Leaning against a wall in the hallway you watch with disdain as your classmates drunkenly grind on each other. It was one of the last parties of the summer before college classes started, and everyone seemed to be making the most of it.

Everyone except for you.

“This was a stupid idea,” you mumble to yourself, glancing down at your drink with a deep sigh. Swirling the now lukewarm beer around in your cup, no longer interested in people watching. Drunken laughter pulls you from your sulking, watching in utter annoyance as Tommy attempts a keg stand in the middle of the living room.

A large crowd has surrounded him, giving you the perfect opportunity to find Jonathan and leave.

However, feeling a piece of paper being slipped into your hand stops you dead in your tracks. Your eyes searching for the source of the note. A familiar flutter starts in your lower belly as you catch sight of him, the male now halfway up the stairs. You quickly unravel the crumpled page to find a few words written in his messy script.

You immediately crumple the note in your palm, downing the rest of your beer before you make your way up to the second floor. Despite the large and somewhat confusing layout, you navigated the dark halls with ease. As you knew the male's house far too well now, having found yourself in his bed more times than you liked to admit.

This wasn’t supposed to happen like this, it was only meant to be a one time thing. To get back at your cheating asshole of an ex-boyfriend, Troy. After finding him tangled in the sheets with Vicki Carmichael at a party quite similar to this one. All because you weren’t ready to have sex with him. As much as it stung, a bigger part of you was incredibly relieved.

Something never fully cliqued with him, and deep down you didn’t want him to be your first. Troy and Steve were very good friends, and played basketball together. So it seemed fitting to ask Steve to be the one to take your virginity. Telling yourself it would royally piss Troy off, knowing you’d give it up to Steve and not him. But the truth is you’d always secretly had a thing for Steve for years.

That was your real reason, not that you’d ever admit it.

Steve was more than happy to fulfill your wish, not knowing your motive behind it. But what neither of you expected was that he would keep coming back for more. Once he had a taste of you, he couldn’t get enough. You had him wrapped around your finger, without even realizing it. However you both made a promise to keep the whole thing a secret, any plans of revenge now being thrown out the window.

Now that you weren’t dating Troy you had gone back to your quiet loser status, which you much preferred anyway. But Steve couldn’t have that ruining his reputation, so instead of arguing you went along with it. Agreeing to a secret friend with benefits relationship, despite knowing you’d want more. Feelings aside it didn’t stop you from hooking up with him multiple times a week, which brings you back to the present.

Your breathing was labored, partially due to the hand covering your mouth. You could hear the bass of the music from outside the bathroom door, so there was no need to be extra quiet.

But with Steve it was a necessity… especially in such a public place. Where anyone could press their ear to the door and figure out what was happening.

You found yourself bent over the bathroom sink, Steve fucking into you with such a ferocity it made your knees wobble. He had barely let the bathroom door shut before he was on you, tugging your panties down your legs. Tugging his shirt over his head, not bothering to take off his jeans in his impatience to have you.

“God you’re such a little tease you know that? Wearing this fucking dress, getting me all worked up.” He growled in your ear, whimpering against his hand as he pounds into your soaked heat.

The male is gripping your hip so hard you know he’ll leave bruises behind, but the harsh action only turns you on more. Knowing how desperate he was to have you, made you putty in his strong hands. Your own hand drifts between your thighs, finding your bundle of nerves and encircling it with your fingertips.

Glancing into the mirror in front of you, you watch his face as he continues to ram himself inside you. His honey brown hair sticks to his forehead, no longer styled in the perfect swoop he had it in before you entered the bathroom. His dark eyes meet yours in the reflection, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he watches you intensely.

“Hm, look at how pathetic you look honey… letting me use you like a whore.” He grunts, leaning in closer and tugging on your earlobe with his teeth, “But you like that don’t you? You like being my whore?”

You find yourself nodding, unable to speak. Partially due to the hand still covering your mouth, but you knew even if it wasn't there it wouldn’t have made much difference. The male had fucked any logical thoughts from you at that point.

But you can’t deny the way your body reacts to his words, your walls tightening around him at the mere mention of belonging to him… and him alone. Something Steve doesn’t miss either.

“That’s cute baby…” he chuckles, letting his lips graze along the exposed skin of your throat. “Glad she knows exactly who she belongs to.”

Tears of pleasure blur your vision, mascara streaming freely down your cheeks. Your fucked out reflection stares back at you as he continues to pound into you from behind. Hooded eyes drift to gaze at him once more, seeing how his mouth falls open in a moan as you continue to pulse around his cock.

His sun kissed skin was beautifully flushed, his days spent as a lifeguard at Hawkin’s community pool were treating him extremely well. It made you want nothing more than to leave a trail of dark bruises along his freckled neck— effectively marking him as yours.

But you knew that couldn’t happen, he wouldn’t allow it. His reputation as the town’s local biggest player was far more important to him than you could ever be. At least that’s what he wanted you to believe.

You watch in awe as his head tilts back, exposing more of his throat to you. His adam’s apple bobs as he moans, fighting the urge to push him against the wall and taste the sweat that’s coating his skin in a glossy sheen.

Steve just looked so pretty like this, on the edge of release. While you had witnessed it many times now— part of you still was so mesmerized by him.

You can feel your orgasm bubbling up inside you, continuing to rub your clit faster. You cry out against his hand, the whimper of his name now muffled by his palm. Your eyes nearly roll back as your orgasm crashes over you. But Steve doesn’t let up his pace, your knees almost buckling as he fucks into you harder.

“I know you can cum harder than that honey, do. it. again.” He growls lowly in your ear, dropping his hand away from your mouth.

Quickly knocking your own out of the way to continue rubbing your overly sensitive clit. You’d barely come down from your first high before he had you hurtling towards another one, his cock hitting that sweet spot inside you with acute precision.

Your eyes meet once more in the reflection, a cocky expression crosses over his features as you feel yourself falling over the edge again. Gripping the counter with both hands, biting down harshly on your lower lip to stop the scream that wants to escape your lungs.

In your euphoric state you don’t notice the way Steve’s eyes watch you possessively, pride filling his chest knowing he’s the only man who has ever seen you like this. The only man to ever make you feel this way, and he planned on keeping it that way. Selfish as it was.

The blissed out look on your face is the thing that finally breaks what little composure he had left. The male burying his face in the crook of your neck as he paints your inner walls with his release. Stilling his hips at your deepest point, in an attempt to keep his cum buried inside you.

Steve’s secret way of marking you as his.

As both of you attempt to catch your breath, the sounds of the party carry on as if nothing happened. When Steve finally releases your hips, you grip tighter onto the counter to support yourself. Knowing your knees were far too wobbly to keep you upright. A soft whimper leaves your lips as he slides out of you, suddenly feeling empty. In more ways than one.

The male is quick to tuck himself back into his jeans, roughly pulling your panties up your legs. You can feel his cum beginning to pool in the lacy material, the dirtiness of it makes your body feel hot. You let out a shaky breath, turning to face him as he finishes tucking his polo back into his levi’s.

“Wait a few minutes before you come back downstairs, yeah?” Is all he says before he’s slipping out of the bathroom, running a hand through his tousled locks.

The door closes softly, and that familiar feeling of shame washes over you again. You shouldn’t be surprised by it at this point, as your little hookups always ended the same way.

With Steve thoroughly pleased with himself, and you all alone.

You can’t stop the moisture from flooding your vision, carefully sitting down on the edge of the tub. Gripping the hem of your dress in your fists as you ruin whatever makeup was still left behind. Shoulders shaking as silent sobs rack through your chest.

In that moment you made a promise to yourself, you wouldn’t let any man— especially someone like Steve fucking Harrington make you feel this way again. It wasn’t worth it. He wasn’t worth it.

You continue to let the traitor tears fall for a while before returning to your feet. Glancing back in the mirror you barely recognized yourself, your usual bright eyes were dull, bloodshot and puffy. The little makeup you had done was now smeared across your cheeks. With a frustrated sigh you attempt to collect yourself before returning to the party.

Cleaning the black streaks from your face, adjusting your rumpled dress until you looked somewhat presentable. Taking a deep breath you finally leave the safety of the bathroom, descending the carpeted stairs on shaky legs. No one pays you any mind as you make your way back into the sea of people.

But what you find in the living room feels like a punch straight to the gut.

Steve is on the couch, another girl already straddling his lap with her tongue down his throat. His large hands that were previously gripping onto your hips were now splayed across her bare thighs. Inching higher and higher up as she tangles her fingers in his hair. You can only stand to watch for a moment longer before bolting out of the room and into the kitchen in search of another drink.

Thankfully the room was almost empty, except for a familiar brunette who was sipping on a can of Pepsi. You don’t say anything to him, grabbing an open bottle of vodka off the counter and bringing the rim to your lips. Enjoying the familiar burn as you greedily gulp down the clear liquid at an alarming fast rate.

Jonathan looks at you concerned, immediately rushing to your side in an attempt to grab the bottle from you. You quickly dodge him, shoving him away with a dirty look.

“Jonny stop! I’m having fun, see?” You roll your eyes before dramatically taking another large swig. Your best friend had seen you drink plenty of times before, but never like this. He knew you well enough to know there was clearly something wrong.

Before you can go back in for another drink he grips onto the base of the bottle, wrestling it from you with a grimace. Before slamming it back onto the counter, making you wince slightly at the sound of the impact.

“That’s enough now. I think I should take you home.”

His tone is stern, but laced with worry. You find yourself pouting in response, a small hiccup leaving you as he sighs. The only reason Jonathan was even here in the first place was to be your ride, he hated these parties. And he especially hated Steve Harrington.

But he was your best friend, and he would’ve done anything for you. And right now anything consists of getting you home before you do something stupid, “Fine dad… take me home then.”

Jonathan rolls his eyes at your childish behavior before wrapping his arm around your waist to help guide you through the house to the front door. The vodka you had just chugged was definitely starting to take effect, as you stumbled alongside him. Now suddenly a lot more grateful for his help.

What you don’t notice in your tipsy state was a pair of honey eyes watching you both from across the room, jaw clenched in jealousy as Jonathan helps you out into the warm summer night.

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