Pirate/Mermaid Steddie One
There is way more mermaid culture world-building than I intended, but that's the fun part lmao
This part discusses injuries, has a mention of mutilation in passing, and involves stitching up a large wound. Nothing is graphic, but there are some descriptions of pain
Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in future parts!
As always, if you see any typos no you didn't
----
There were a few things Eddie expected from this raid. Gold, of course. Supplies like food, obviously. Some new weapons, surely.
A fucking mermaid? Nowhere near that list of expected things.
And yet, here he stands in the doorway of the raided ship captain's cabin, caught in a staring contest with a merman that's definitely seen better days.
He's stuck in a tiny wooden tub, his tail forced against his chest as the rest of it flops over the edge and trails the floor. His blue-and-green with inexplicable hints of orange scales are dull, too dull, and Eddie is trying really hard to control the sheer rage he feels at the jagged cut that drags down the middle of the tail and through the fin at the bottom. The edges of the wound have crusted over, but it still looks painful, and Eddie knows it was meant to keep the merman from using his tail to escape.
Eddie takes a step into the cabin, ready to just scoop the merman up and take him back to his ship. But he stops when the merman tenses, his entire body somehow becoming more rigid. His hands on the edge of the tub tighten, his sharp nails digging into the slowly rotting wood. He's staring at Eddie like he's some new threat, which seriously is not gonna help with the whole "take the gorgeous merman with incredible hair and alluring brown eyes back to his ship and nurse him back to health" thing.
Eddie freezes and holds his hands up. "Sorry," he says, keeping his voice low and soothing. The merman doesn't relax much, but his nails are no longer digging into the wood. Eddie figures that's a tiny win.
"I'm Captain Eddie of the Corroded Coffin. We didn't expect to find you here, sweetheart."
The nickname just slips out, an unthinking attempt to butter the merman up and an admission of his own thoughts. The merman's eyes narrow, slowly looking Eddie over as though sizing him up.
Eddie lets him, perfectly content with standing still if it means the merman will give him even one iota more of his trust. "That doesn't look very comfortable," he says, nodding to the tub. "Would you like some help?"
The merman relaxes a little more, and Eddie has no clue what he did to cause that. Before he can think too much about it, the merman points to a dresser on the other side of the room, looking at Eddie expectantly.
"You want something from there?"
The merman nods, which tells Eddie he at least understands human language. That doesn't give him any idea if the merman can speak it, though.
He walks over to the dresser and looks at the merman, pointing to each drawer in turn until the merman nods. The fourth drawer is, apparently, the correct one. When Eddie opens it, he finds a small treasure trove. It must be a collection of trophies from the ship captain's previous raids.
A quick glance reveals a gold crown with rubies, several diamond rings, a few silver bracelets with various gemstones along the bands, and a pearl and seashell necklace thrown on top. Eddie knows the merman probably wants that necklace most, but he can't help thinking of a rumor that mermaids like shiny things.
The drawer is full of shiny things.
He hesitates for less than a second before pulling out the entire drawer itself and turning around. "I'm not sure what you want from here," he lies, smiling apologetically at the merman. "Can I come close enough to show you?"
The merman stares at him before slowly nodding once, suspicion practically radiating off of him. Eddie flashes a more genuine smile and slowly approaches, giving the merman enough time to reject his presence. When he's a few steps away, Eddie crouches and tilts the drawer so the merman can see what's inside.
Immediately, the merman reaches out and snatches the pearl and seashell necklace. The gills on the side of his neck flutter slightly as he puts it on, and Eddie wonders if that's a sign of relief. "Was that everything you wanted?" he asks.
The merman glances at him, one hand still lingering on the necklace. He glances down at the drawer again, seeming to argue with himself before reaching out and removing the crown and every bracelet. He carefully slips the bracelets on and clutches the crown in his hands.
"Anything else?" Eddie asks, his tone indulgent. It must be reassuring, though, because the merman looks at him with curiosity more than anything else. It's like he's trying to figure out what he can get away with.
A few seconds pass before the merman glances down at the drawer. His gaze lingers at the edges, and Eddie starts to wonder what could possibly be there when the merman points at one of his rings.
Eddie blinks, following the merman's finger to a chunky ring. It's shaped like a bat with emeralds for eyes and diamonds for teeth. It's one of Eddie's favorites; he found it on his first raid, took it right off the captain's hand himself. Nobody has ever dared ask to touch it, let alone have it.
Without a second thought, Eddie puts the drawer down, slips the ring off his finger, and offers it to the merman. It sits in the palm of his hand, meaning they'd have to touch if the merman really wants it that badly.
Slowly, the merman reaches for the ring, his nails tickling against Eddie's palm as he takes it. From the light brush against Eddie's fingers, the merman's skin is cool, exactly like jumping into the ocean on a hot day.
----
Steve is a firm believer in the power of small comforts, especially as it relates to the growth of his guppies. Dustin has long outgrown his baby tail belt, but he still wraps it around his wrist every morning. El and Will no longer need the seaweed and coral dolls Steve made for them when they were barely able to swim a straight line, but they still tuck them in every night.
So, when the human (Eddie, Steve reminds himself) offers up a drawer filled with shiny jewelry, Steve doesn't hold himself back. The bracelets make him feel grounded, the crown gives him something to clutch without the risk of breaking it, and the ring...
Well, the ring was more to see if Eddie's actions would match his tone. And because Steve thought it was fascinatingly grotesque. What kind of creature would have wings without feathers? Sure, the gulls he sometimes sees near the surface are confusing, but the ring depicts something even further beyond his imagination. What's up with the sharp teeth? Why must the eyes be green? Does it know it's a freak of nature?
Anyway, the jewelry helps. Steve uses it to distract himself from the sheer agony screaming from his tail when Eddie lifts him out of the cramped tub. He thinks about which bracelet he'll give to which guppy (Robin will get the crown) when the edges of his tailfin graze against Eddie's legs as he confidently walks across a plank connecting the two ships. He closely studies the featherless wings on the ring to avoid thinking about what's to come when Eddie sets him down on a large, surprisingly comfortable bed in another private cabin and starts gathering a needle and thread.
There's not much left to distract him when Eddie kneels next to the bed and looks up at him, his eyes reminding Steve of his guppies when they've done something bad and need him to clean up the mess.
"This is gonna hurt," Eddie tells him, his voice soft and gentle and full of regret as he grabs a bottle from the table next to the bed.
The liquid inside is clear, and Steve would think it was water if his nose hadn't been hit with such an astringent scent when Eddie opened it. Before he can fully process the smell, Eddie tips the bottle and pours the liquid onto Steve's tail.
An involuntary screech rips out of his throat, a burning sensation clawing along the cut and making his scales buzz. Without thinking, Steve grabs Eddie's wrist and yanks it away, his lips pulled back in a snarl that reveals sharp teeth. Despite the physical pain, Steve thinks the worst part is that he let himself get distracted by small comforts and warm brown eyes and Eddie's soft voice.
He should know better.
"Shit," Eddie mutters, quickly dropping the now-empty bottle to the floor. It cracks but doesn't break, and he looks up at Steve. "I should've explained that better. Holy fuck, I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I had to clean it. If I sewed it up without doing so, it might get infected."
Steve narrows his eyes, his grip tightening briefly as he studies Eddie's face. He seems genuinely apologetic, and Steve understands his intentions once he's processed Eddie's words. Steve had to do something similar when Mike and Lucas bothered a shark too much. Their wounds weren't nearly as bad as Steve's, but they'd still cried and shouted when Steve and Robin had to pull teeth and bits of coral out of their wounds before wrapping them in seaweed.
"I'm done with that part, though," Eddie says, his voice practically desperate for Steve to understand. "You can squeeze my shoulder or something while I sew it up."
A few seconds pass before Steve nods once, slowly letting go of Eddie's wrist. As Eddie starts threading the needle, Steve places his hand on his shoulder, bracing himself for the upcoming pain by squeezing the crown in his other hand.
Eddie takes a deep breath as he glances up at Steve. He licks his lips, looking back at the top of the cut. "Okay, I'm starting now," he says, waiting long enough to see Steve nod before starting the first stitch.
The alcohol hurt. The stitching is a fucking bitch. But, honestly, none of it is as bad as when that first disgusting human dragged a dagger through Steve's tail. He still hisses, gripping Eddie's shoulder tighter and unable to stop his nails from digging into his skin. Despite how it must hurt, Eddie doesn't flinch, and Steve feels a little better.
"You know," Eddie says, mostly focused on keeping his hand steady and his stitches even, "I wish I knew your name. I can't keep calling you sweetheart."
He could. Steve wouldn't mind it. But he also knows it isn't entirely fair that Eddie doesn't know he can speak. They'll need to be able to talk, Steve thinks, if they're going to be around each other for a while longer.
And Eddie has been kind enough that Steve wouldn't mind being around him for however long it takes his tail to heal.
"Steve," he says.
To his credit, Eddie doesn't drop the needle. He does tense for a moment, his hand pausing as he looks up. "What?" he asks.
"My name. It's Steve."
"You can talk."
"Why wouldn't I?"
Eddie hums, looking back at the cut as he starts stitching again. "You didn't say anything before," Eddie says.
"The last human who saw me mutilated my tail," Steve replies.
"Fair. Is, uh, is your name really Steve?"
"That's the closest translation to your language."
"What's your name in your language?"
Steve hesitates for a moment before clearing his throat. He feels his gills flutter, trying to create the bubble pattern that accompanies his name as he lets out a rhythmic series of squeaks and clicks with a short hiss at the end.
A few seconds pass after he's done. And then Eddie nods once and says, "Steve it is. How'd you get caught, Stevie?"
Ignoring the slight urge to point out that Eddie said his name wrong, Steve frowns slightly. "One of my guppies got caught in that ship's net. I got them out but was caught myself."
"One of your...guppies?"
"Yes. You would call them...children, I think?"
Eddie has nearly reached the middle of Steve's tail by now, and his hand falters once more. "Children? Aren't you...a little young?"
Steve bristles, glaring at Eddie. He's heard that same question plenty of times from members of other pods before, and he's tired of it. "What does it matter if they are happy and healthy?" he asks.
"Sorry," Eddie whispers, glancing up at Steve. There's something he can't quite read in Eddie's eyes. "Do you raise them alone?"
"What? No, of course not. My partner, Robin, raises them with me. We have seven guppies, with an eighth on the way."
"An eighth?!" Eddie asks, sounding strained as he pauses his stitching once more to look up at Steve. "Shit, man, shouldn't you give Robin a break?"
Steve blinks, tilting his head slightly. "Why would she need a break?" he asks.
"She's already popped out seven!"
Suddenly, Steve realizes what the disconnect is. He blinks once more and dissolves into laughter. "Oh!" he says, the exclamation broken by a giggle as he tries to calm himself down. "No, no, she is my partner, not my mate. Besides, she doesn't even like mermen."
Eddie seems to relax at Steve's explanation, his shoulders dropping and his voice significantly lighter as he starts stitching again and says, "Oh, I see. Then whose kids are they?"
"Technically, they belong to the pod," Steve explains, gritting his teeth as Eddie reaches the tailfin. He feels warm all over, his nerves jumping and his scales feeling half-ready to just fall off. "Each pod has at least two caretakers. Mates have a guppy and let caretakers raise them while they focus on their own roles within the pod."
"Do you like being a caretaker?"
"Yeah," Steve says, managing a shaky smile despite the tugging on his tailfin and Eddie's fingers pressing against his scales. "They're my guppies. I'd drain the oceans for them."
"And, uh, what about your mate? Do they mind you being so...devoted to the guppies?"
It's not at all subtle, but Steve finds it oddly endearing nonetheless. He slowly exhales, forcing himself to loosen his grip on Eddie's shoulder. "I don't have one."
Just like before, Eddie seems to relax some at the answer. He also finishes stitching, tying off the thread with a secure knot before carefully cutting away the excess. "Well, uh, we'll get you healed up and back to your guppies as soon as possible," he says, looking up at Steve.
"It needs to be wrapped in kelp. And, uh, I'll need a tub. You know, with seawater."
Eddie nods along, flashing a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, Stevie, I'll get you anything you want," he promises.
"Anything?" Steve asks, leaning forward some as he tilts his head.
"I already gave you my favorite ring, sweetheart."
Steve glances down at said ring, wondering what about it could possibly make it Eddie's favorite. He can't immediately figure it out, but that doesn't change the sweet warmth and anticipation for the time he'll spend with Eddie that he suddenly feels.
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bewitched: s.h. x f!r
summary: on his graduation trip in london, steve is apart from robin for the day when he runs into you at a coffee shop. after one conversation, you agree to spend your last day in london together, and you both become bewitched.
based on bewitched by laufey
an: hi everyone! i reposted this from earlier, but this fic was so fun for me and i hope you enjoy! please let me know your thoughts and give that magnificent song a listen :) (not proof read)
The clinking of dishes filled the London coffee bar as businessmen on their breaks stopped for small sandwiches wrapped in wax paper squares, a red logo printed across them.
Emotional bribery came as two roundtrip tickets across the pond for Steve’s graduation present, taking Robin with him as they took the two weeks off from work. The silver credit card with his name on it covered most expenses, but the steaming tea was paid for with crumpled dollars from the tip jar of Family Video.
Taking a glance up from the book in his hands, he spotted you turning around from the cashier, looking around at an empty spot. The only spare seat was the one before him, a black metal one that wasn’t the most comfortable, but it seemed this place wasn’t for long-term moments.
“Hey.” Steve cleared his throat, earning your attention, gesturing in front of him.
With a smile you approached with your warm cup and coordinating plate, letting it touch the glass table, taking the opposing spot. The sleeves to his yellow jumper were pushed to his elbows, resting them as the paperback balanced one of them.
“Thank you,” You greeted, pulling the back of your brown sweater down, straightening up, “I’m Y/N.”
“I’m Steve,” He introduced, the tips of his nails trailing against the rim of the small plate, “what brings you here?”
Black tea in your mouth, you swallowed it despite the burn, grabbing a small packet of sugar. Flicking it back and forth, you ripped the white paper, dumping the containments inside.
“A friend of mine has family here, had an extra ticket,” You explained, stirring your drink into a swirl, “you?”
“Graduation gift.” He quipped, internally wincing at how pretentious that could sound, but you only nodded, “I brought a friend too.”
Knitted blue yarn made up your sweater paired with a white skirt and black tights paired with black flats that began to peel near the sole. Ripples crafted in the spoon you blew on, tasting the now sweeter drink.
“Looks like we’re two halves of a similar story,” You mused, the silverware touching your plate in an unpleasant noise, quickly moving it to the napkin beside it, “what long are you staying?”
An awkward slurp came from his mouth as he finished his cup, cheeks growing pink as he set it down, anxiously wiping his clean mouth with the back of his hand. His right white Reebok bounced beneath the table, running his spare hand against his jean-clad thigh.
Foreign jitters rattled inside his chest, tightening as you smiled at him once more. Dates had slowed down since high school, fumbling with the ladies more often than not, but the feeling of pleasant uneasiness was one he hadn’t felt in a long time.
It felt foolish as you had been before him for only a minute, tucking your ankle behind your other and taking in your surroundings. He had been doing the same until you approached, he didn’t think to look at anything else.
“We’ve been here for four days, we leave in three. My best friend, Robin, had been with me every day, but had something today.” He waved off, “You?”
Black lashes fluttered before reaching his gaze, “I’m ending my week, today is my last day, but my friend also had something today.”
Irony dripping from your words, Steve grinned, “If it’s at Covent Garden too, I might lose it.”
Mouth covered in amusement, he gaped, “No way, is your friend there too? Some record store event?”
You confirmed, head bobbing as Steve sunk back in his chair in shock. It felt like filling a glass up to the brim, it would’ve been fine lower, but it’s always a pleasant experience to get the extra taste.
“What’s your friend's name?” Steve questioned, resting his chin on his hand.
Tables had cleared beside you as the lunch break period concluded, but you remained in front of him. Processing that they were clean, it didn’t dawn on you that you could readily rest beside the window as you hoped. The boy with hazel eyes had taken your attention with an iron grip, melting into the hold.
“Rodney,” You began as Steve felt his heart hit his gut, too sure that it had to be a boyfriend, “I’m not his type, don’t worry.”
The obscure bashfulness flooded him again, yet your look was not full of taunting, but rather warmth. Air turned colder outside, scarves joining the getup of many, however, Steve realized that if he stood close enough to you, he might not even need his.
“I doubt that.” Steve hummed, shuffling through his stack of dusty King Steve remarks, ones he hated to recall, but was desperate to continue the conversation.
“Oh no,” Taking the turn to be flustered, he watched you pick the corner of the square napkin, “Believe me, not his type at all.”
Initial disbelief dissipated as he picked the context clues he often gave when describing his own best friend.
“Robin, my best friend,” Steve began, watching the faintest bit of complex emotions on your face, “I’m not her type either.”
A grin crawled onto your face slowly as Steve held eye contact, both of you erupting into giggles at the pure absurdity of the scenario at hand.
Panic that had become all too familiar punched him in the gut, knowing this had been too perfect to be true. That suddenly a man twice his size and twice as attractive would come out, carrying you off into the busy streets of London while he watched your blue sweater become a speck.
A similar slurp sounded from your mouth as your tea ran dry, moving the cup to the edge of the table. Steve prepared for the departure, hand on the small book as he braced himself for rejection.
Taking a glance out the door, he watched an older man gift a woman yellow tulips, pleased as she smelled them and held the bouquet close to her chest. Mundane as it may be, he took it as a kick, that maybe it’s worth trying to keep it going if rejection lurks anyways.
“Forgive me if I’m being too forward,” He joked with sincerity, “I don’t have anything going on today, would you want to hang out? Walk around for a bit?”
Teeth pulled in the inner skin of your bottom lip, repressing the overdramatic response you urged to give, “I’d love to, Steve.”
Holding open the black door, you both left the coffee shop to rejoin humanity, met with the smell of cigarettes and the smoke of construction. He expected a sour look, yet you only beamed brighter amongst the chaos, like a flower growing between cracks in a sidewalk.
“Have you been to any museums?” You asked, walking with a hand on the top of your purse that hung around your shoulder.
Shaking his head with a straight mouth, you gawked with a smack to the arm, electrifying his restricted chest. It bounced to his stomach and then to his throat, coughing away the slight itch.
“We could go to the National Gallery, they have some iconic pieces,” You explained, though your excitement backpedaled when glancing over, “Or we could, um, do something else too! I’m flexible.”
The confirmation that you were nervous too aided his cause, shaking his head, “I’d love to, let’s go.”
Footsteps trekked down the sidewalks of Soho, yours walking in tandem to the boy beside you, who took the spot closest to the road. Brown curls fell in front of his eyes, his fingers running through the thick locks.
Steve’s feet fumbled as a woman stormed past, a grimace on her face as she forced his body against yours.
Before the apology could form, you scoffed, making a quip about how she must be in a rush. He agreed, rolling his eyes as he heard a man shout at the woman, both of you turning to see her knocking over a man’s newspaper.
Proceeding forward, Steve mocked the face of the guy who seemed too up in arms about fallen paper while you attempted to sympathize with them both.
“She was probably having a bad day and he wasn’t expecting it!” You rationalized, amusement evident as you both turned the sharp corner.
“She probably was, but I’m sure a man who sounds like Mr. Bean yelling isn’t helping!” He jested, a rupture of laughter aiding his blooming confidence.
The large white pillars at the top of the stairs came into eyesight, a large red banner listing a current exhibit in white font. Seemingly unconsciously, he watched as you sped up, picking up his pace to watch as you got your ticket.
Service must have been high quality as he was hoping to pay for your ticket, but the woman had already given you a small white ticket.
Signaling him over, Steve walked over to you confused as you handed him a pass, walking towards the first room.
“Hey, let me pay you back!” He insisted, examining to see if there was a price, but you shrugged.
“It’s free, bud.” You smirked as you both walked between two security guards in black sunglasses.
“Oh, I knew that.” He confirmed falsely, making you look at him skeptically.
The first portion was filled with classical paintings, mostly with natural elements like water and grass. Ranges of ages stood behind the small black wire a few inches from the floor to observe.
Museums hadn’t been Steve’s thing, finding most in Indiana fairly boring and the ones his parents dragged him to were even more insufferable.
Though, between the large walls in the new city, he noticed the strokes of a paintbrush older than most buildings. The smudges of oil paint that blended into other colors on top of canvas secured in extravagant frames.
“I like this one,” Steve began as you joined his side, the strangers beside him having wandered off, “reminds me of my sweater.”
“A Van Gogh fan?” You inquired, following as he began to read the information card in the corner.
“Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh,” He concluded, eyebrows lifting at the discovery that it had been around 100 years since the paint dried, “Guess I am a fan.”
“It’s incredible,” Glancing at his yellow jumper that matched the work before you, you scolded your heart for wondering what you could stare at longer, knowing it probably was the one made in this century.
“I really liked seeing his one over here,” You guided, the boy on your trail, “it’s simple, but it just does something for me.”
The face of a woman was designed in dim colors, her face covered in hesitance, titled The Peasant Woman.
A few steps back, Steve looked at the shades of brown above the woman’s head, appreciating the intricacies of such a simple work. Yet, he found himself much more intrigued by the curve of your nose and plush of your cheeks.
The self-guided tour continued, most in silence as you took turns reading the occasional description. The stroll was brisk as he struggled to keep up with you, not because he couldn’t be quick on his feet, but because he liked to look at you and could get away with it if he was farther back.
“If you want to slow down, let me know,” You announced when standing in front of Monet’s The Water-Lily Pond, “I just don’t read all the cards, I like to think what it could possibly be then only check if I really want to know.”
“I’m okay,” He assured, flexing his hand after the urge to touch your arm came, “I do think this is a pond though.”
Joke landing, you chuckled, continuing on to the next floor. His eyes caught an abstract painting of shades of blue, making out a boat on the water with no firm lines. A sunset burned in the back, searing into the open sky in contrast to the calm water.
“He’s so cute.”
Steve felt his gut jump, fixating on the emotionally ambiguous artwork instead of the reality at hand. Fearing your new discovery, it dawned on him how art could affect him.
Boats on the water never moved him, but he saw a reflection of his mood in it now.
Finally turning, he noticed you affectionately looking at the gentleman on the bench with a sketch pad in hand. Likely in his 70s, he formed the portrait of Venus and Mars ahead of him, hands shaking as he balanced the spiraled book on his knee.
Soothing his dreary headspace, his lip twitched at the sight, marveling that someone with such talent sat without recognition. It seemed cruel that no one had his pictures on the walls, gawking at the straight lines done by hand or the blending of charcoal.
Yet, as Steve saw your face, he realized that if anyone looked at him that way, he would sit on wooden benches without a known name for years.
“He is.” Steve agreed, scratching the back of his neck, the other man pushing his glasses up his nose to get a better look.
The beauty of the gallery captivated you both, but half of your brains focused on the other, watching as the other absorbed another masterpiece.
Between the 18th century section, Steve’s hand brushed against yours, initially coy until you trailed yours against his. Taking a leap of faith, he held your hand in his, his heartbeat plunging through his wrist against yours.
Walking down the staircases, fingers interlaced as you whispered about the passing artwork.
You learned he was from Hawkins, Indiana. An only child who graduated last year, but postponed the trip after his old job burned down, where he also met his best friend, Robin. He has a few friends, some of who are freshmen that he befriended after dating one of their older sisters. (You could see his visible panic at the mention, so you brought up a past boyfriend of yours whose sister you kept up with.)
Sounds of children leaving school filled the tight roads as you walked hand in hand with no end in mind. The back of Steve’s socks began to slip, but he barely noticed until a blister began, popping into a convenience store.
Sat on the grass in a park, Steve unlaced his shoes to put the band-aid on, the only bandages left being purple and pink ones. Struggling to turn his lifted foot in his denim, he huffed, a stray piece of hair whipping up.
“Here.” You chuckled, grabbing the small plastic wrapper and opening it. Crumbles of wax paper sat on top of your purse, focused on putting the sticker right over his reddened skin.
Far from pure, Steve still felt his ears warm at the benevolent touch as you pressed down to secure it in place. Thanks were whispered under his breath, pulling his socks up and tying the laces.
“I used to work at this camp and kids got hurt all the time,” You laid back, resting on the clean grass, “It was never anything too bad, but I bought the character ones with Mickey Mouse or He-Man on them. I carried them on me forever, but I gave my last one away a few days ago when I saw a mom and her screaming toddler.”
Back resting beside you, the fabric covering your shoulders touched, Steve looked at the gloomy London sky.
Such weather used to agitate him, wishing it were sunny enough to wear a shirt or shorts, but the past few days made him enjoy the lack of sweat when walking and relaxing outside.
“What character was it?” He asked, looking over at you who met his eyes.
“It was Jeannie from the I Dream of Jeannie cartoon, they were on sale.” You muttered, preparing for the groan that came from boys when discussing the supposed girl’s cartoon.
What you didn’t expect was his mouth to hang open, scoffing, “And I didn’t get one? That sucks!”
Noting your pleasantly surprised expression, he added, “So, I didn’t have siblings growing up, but I had cousins. The one closest to my age is Riley, she’s two years older than me, and when we were young, she loved that show. So much, that she made me watch it constantly.”
A hollow feeling resonated in his chest at the memory coming into view, his face directed toward the sky, “She understood when my parents would argue and shit, so she’d put it on really loud so I wouldn’t hear… Sorry that was a bit much, it’s a cool cartoon!”
“Don’t apologize, Steve, not for being open with people.” You smiled, not moving your stare at his face. With little space between the two of you, you noticed the array of freckles on his nose and cheeks, some lighter than others.
The tips of his lashes touched them when he closed his eyes, scrunching together when his nose twitched which was rosy from the biting cool air.
Peering over at you, he shifted to his side, not caring if any dirt ended up on his white shoes. Mimicking his stance, you propped up beside him, stunned at just how many things had to happen for you to end up here.
“I almost went to the coffee shop up the street.” You revealed, plucking the longer strands poking from the ground, twisting them.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” He disclosed, “I don’t want to sound crazy, but I really like you.”
Blood rushing to your cheeks, you initially tried fighting back your joy, weighing your burden of a plane tomorrow before it. Nevertheless, his bronze iris’ made you feel dizzy, hoping the sun would never set.
“I like you too, Steve, but I leave tomorrow.”
Already handed this information, it still sunk in his gut that you had to get on that plane tomorrow, that it wouldn’t magically be rescheduled to the day he left or you’d show up in Hawkins.
Life passed Steve by for as long as he had experienced it, focusing on getting through or ignoring the things too big to be processed with ease, something he couldn’t do anymore.
“I know, but please, give me tonight.” He pleaded, “We can call out friends and say we’ll be back whenever and just spend the rest of the time roaming. I just don’t-”
Your answer was shown with your lips on his, tasting the free mints given to you at the cafe and chapstick. Hand cupping your cheek, he deepened the affection, withholding the urge to explore at the recollection you were in public.
Parting ways, you looked at him shyly before standing up, reaching out a hand to help him up. Grabbing your bags and each other's hand, you ventured onward. Steve moved to your left side to be closer to the traffic once you reached the main sidewalk.
“Want something to eat? We could stop by the shopping area down this way.” You suggested, feeling the curling of your tummy after a few hours of walking. Or the nerves you succumbed to around Steve. You weren’t sure.
Thoughts coinciding, you headed down the brick lane, the wind tickling your ears. You wondered if the passing strangers assumed you were in a relationship, a piece of you aching at how nice it would be to begin again.
Steve held an analogous notion, considering what his life would be like if he lived in a city where no one knew him or his parents. How they wouldn’t know King Steve and his plethora of mistakes that lived within the walls of his high school.
Maybe he belonged somewhere he wouldn’t have even fathomed, smelling the perfumes crafted in petite bottles exclusively in the town or pastries those in Hawkins would never know.
Past hours led him into imagining you in his life, and that if you ran the other way, he wouldn’t forget a second. Each holiday or celebration, he would wonder what the girl in the coffee shop was doing as he stared out his family's window, reality over his shoulder in the crowded living room.
Warm air surrounded you both as you entered the small deli, an elderly woman preparing paninis that smelled too delicious. Humming in delight, you both examined the menu, picking out which ones you preferred.
“Ham and cheese for you and the gentleman with two bottles of water.”
You both got the same thing.
Steve made sure to grab his wallet before you could, hands occupied with sandwiches to reach in your purse. He ignored your protest, handing the woman a few pounds, and putting the rest in the small tip jar accented with ribbon.
“Steve!” You whined as the door shut, the faint ring of the front bell behind you, “You didn’t have to.”
He grinned cheekily, grabbing his sandwich from your hand in order to hold it in his left and your hand in his right. “I know.”
Thankfully, the area was close to a field, choosing to sit against the damp grass, watching children play in front of you with traffic existing to your rear.
The first bite made you both look at each other, knowing that this was heavenly and a great decision. The bread was fluffy while the cheese was stringy, complemented by the flavorful pork inside. Due to hunger, you sat in silence for a few minutes, watching two little boys attempt to climb a tree.
“I really hope they don’t fall.” Steve mentioned as the boy’s shoes slipped down the bark, close enough to the ground not to hurt.
Nodding, you watched as the one on the branch yelled to the one on the ground, seemingly frustrated with his inabilities.
“I couldn’t climb trees,” You recalled, “could you?”
“Yeah, I was pretty athletic, and did a lot of sports to get out of the house.” He thought, knowing he realized that much later, “I still work out sometimes, but nothing like I used to.”
“I used to go outside with chalk all the time. I can’t draw for shit, but it was fun.” You disclosed, memories of pink powder covering your elbows and jeans, usually getting a scolding from your parents for a mess that would come out in the wash. “My parents could afford for me to do a sport a year, but by the time it came to do it, I overheard my parents stressing about swim camp. The next morning, I told them I completely lost interest, asking for sketchbooks instead to keep me busy in summer.”
Aware of his privilege, there were still small things Steve never thought about. That the small sum of a camp was a large amount for others. It sounds ignorant in his head, but he recalls Robin mentioning how she and her mom would split sandwiches when going out when growing up.
Sensing the discomfort he tried to hide, you nudged him, “I can draw a mean stick figure though and I eventually learned how to swim.”
He laughed, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head. He felt word vomit bubbling up, seeing your kind expression chopping away at his guarded exterior.
He wished he had a diary that he could let you read, and find every aspect of himself he loved, hated, and felt neutral about. Just so he could ask if you still like him. The thought terrified him, the answer, but also that he even contemplated it.
Bird noises came from the kids in the park, screeching as the one jumped from the branch and onto the brown and green leaves beneath him. The crunch matched your bites, filling your ears as you savored the moment.
“Do you like kids?” You asked, watching as the boys ran to see a girl sitting with dolls, her growling at their attempt to touch their sparkly dresses with their dirty fingers.
Scoffing, “Yeah, they seemingly are pulled to me. I have a few munchkins I watch after back at home.”
“I like kids too, I used to babysit,” You trailed off, a thought creeping in, “I don’t know if I want kids of my own though because I’d really want to be a good mom. I wouldn’t want them to ever have any doubts that I was there for them, you know?”
A shatter blasted through Steve’s chest, “Yeah, I have this dream that I have, like, six kids. But sometimes, I think about if I’d really be a good dad or not. I like to think I couldn’t be worse than my own, he mainly threw money my way and went off to work. But then I think about having a kid that's my own blood, it’s happy and sad.”
The words spewing from his loose lips had never been uttered to another, yet you agreed, letting your leg brush his as they outstretched on the ground. He looked to see your meek smile, an empathetic one, yet your eyes read a rawness he didn’t see often.
“My parents paid for this trip, but I’ve tried using my own money for everything I’ve done since I got here. They gave me this credit card, but didn’t come to my graduation.” He sighed, “But that sounds ridiculous because money is important! I have a nice house and clothes-”
“It doesn’t buy parenthood or happiness though, Steve.” You concluded for him, watching him try to explain his sentiment, but you knew.
When you saw Steve, you didn’t see a spoiled rich boy. Truly you weren’t sure exactly what you saw. You knew he had hazel eyes and chestnut hair, gentle hands with a ring on his index finger, soft lips, and a pink bandaid on the back of his ankle.
His lips greeted yours soon after, a gentle peck that felt intimate, like two lovers who knew each other's bodies like the back of their hand and their souls like it was embedded on their own. It made your cheeks hot.
“Yeah, I want my kids to know I love them and how to make a mean stick figure.” He joked, making you chuckle, taking the final bite of your panini.
Standing to throw away your trash, Steve joined you, taking your hand and swinging it. The nearby bus stop had a few people beside it as the red vehicle approached and stopped.
Reaching to his bag, he grabbed his wallet where two bus passes were placed in a folder. Neither of you cared to check where it was exactly going, walking up to the second level and sitting as the engine kicked into gear.
Trees and street lights blurred as you drove along the route, the sun beginning to set into a beautiful orange and blue mesh. Steve’s arm was slung across your frame, resting your head on his shoulder.
“We should just stay here forever.” Steve teased, but too foolish to immediately agree if you had said yes. That he would run the credit card dry and work every moment to make sure you were taken care of.
“We should,” You sighed, seeing the faint outline of your breath in the chill air, “but I would miss my cat.”
Laughing, he rubbed your bicep, looking around at the scenery. Big Ben was in sight, pointing at the building in awe as the clock's black hands ticked on.
Days and nights in the London air made your heart swell, eyes burning in unshed tears as you were reminded of the ticking clock.
A jolting stop signaled you both off, walking into the busy alleys as strangers conversated after a long day of work.
“What do you want to do? Work wise.” You asked, looking at the men in business casual clothes, drinking a Guinness with their sleeves rolled to their elbows.
Shrugging, he bit the inside of his lip briefly, “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out.”
“How exciting.” You responded, his face dropping at his initial thought that you were ridiculing him, but he saw your warm smile. “Not knowing can be exciting, I mean it, you have so many options that you haven’t even heard of.”
Ears turning pink, he ran his fingers through his hair, “I guess so, thanks. What about you?”
“Figuring it out.” You quipped, fingers skimming over his knuckle, “Oh, we should probably call our friends. Do you know the number to your hotel?”
The red phone booth could only fit one person as you went first, spinning the dial as you held the scribbled-down numbers. Steve fished out the hotel's business card with Robin’s handwriting on the back, the room number, and the phone number.
He heard your boisterous laugh through the thick glass, catching your glance when you turned towards him with a smile, soon placing the phone back up.
Steve took his turn, holding the plastic phone to his ear as the dial tone rang. The receiver picked up, immediately speaking.
“Hello?”
“Rob, it’s Steve.”
“Oh, shit Harrington! Where are you? Did you get lost-” She began listing off, mind going to the worst as she untied her shoes in their room.
Groaning, “What, no! I’m fine- I’m great. I’m not going to be back till early morning though-”
A whine filled the speaker as Robin’s foot hit the ground, loud enough to be picked up, “You’re getting laid and I’m not? I thought Europe was progressive or some shit-”
“I’m not getting laid!” Steve gritted, making sure you weren’t overhearing the conversation. He caught you speaking to the florist on the street, smelling the lilies and roses they had picked.
“So you’re just hanging out outside?” Robin squinted, though alone with no one to witness, but Steve knew her well enough to read her expression through tone.
“No! No, I met someone-”
“Always meeting someone, never meeting a job-”
“Robin!”
“I’m just messing with you! Sheesh, anyways, who is it?”
“I met her in a coffee shop this morning and we just hit it off. She leaves tomorrow morning and we’re going to walk around through the night… I really like her Robin, I haven’t felt this way since Nance.”
“Oh, wow,” Robin sighed, knowing the emotional rollercoaster her friend experienced, “I’m happy for you, just be safe, call me if anything happens.”
The duo joked around more often than not, but she knew he didn’t open up to everyone. So if he felt strongly and even admitted it, it was a big deal.
“Will do. Love you, dude. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Stepping out from the stuffy box, he wrinkled his nose at the cold air, approaching you as you paid for two flowers. Practically skipping towards him, you put one behind his ear, a white daisy, with an identical one behind yours.
“You’re so beautiful, Steve Harrington.” You muttered, looking at him so lovingly that he wanted to curl in a ball.
“And you’re ethereal.” He smiled, cupping your cheeks in his hands, kissing your forehead as you laughed, “What?”
“You so got that from the word of the day thing in the newspaper.” You accused, knowing the local paper had that in large print, making Steve huff playfully.
“It must have known I was meeting you.” He saved himself, smirking as he watched you become bashful.
Pushing his chest, you looked down, “Sap.”
Wandering brought you to the riverside, a gathering happening of people dancing to jazz music the performers played. The sound of the saxophone made your feet tingle, heading toward the strangers.
It had been the weekly performance for the band, a jar with pounds inside that you both added to.
Neither of you were classically trained dancer, but the upbeat rhythm of Beyond The Sea was infectious, making him spin you around. Steve sang in a theatrical manner, recalling the days his grandfather would turn on a Bobby Darin record when he taught him cards.
A few songs zoomed by, one of you knowing a tune the other didn’t, joyfully ignoring the ache in your shoes as the moon came into full view.
A chilling D cord signaled from the group for a song, finally, you both knew. The other pairs grew closer as they swayed back and forth, but you and Steve stayed frozen as We’ll Meet Again began.
It felt too cinematic, as the lyrics of a crooning voice simmered into your consciousness, the kind eyes you knew only briefly left you hypnotized.
Nearly stumbling, you rested your cheek on Steve’s chest, hands around his neck as his went around your waist. He leaned his head against your hair, indulging in the scent of your perfume.
Words could be spoken in vain, stories of how you both could meet up and live together forever somewhere. The future was unwritten, however, no promises could be made to soothe your aching hearts.
The band thanked the crowd before cleaning up, both of you continuing on to the journey ahead. The song had left you both speechless, not an easy feat for him, and the stars assisted the illumination of your skin.
“What time is your flight?” Steve inquired, his watch showing it was already past 3 in the morning.
“It’s at 7:30, I’ll need to get there by 5:30.” You respond glumly, “My friend is bringing my bags though, so we can head straight there- If you wanted to go all the way there with me?”
An L shape going to his chin, he stroked his imaginary beard as he hummed, bumping into your arm. You scoffed, pushing his body away, laughter bubbling between the two of you.
A stone-covered bridge came before you, wandering over and stopping to watch the fish below. Steve looked at your profile in the moonlight and wished he had a photograph, giving him an idea for later.
“Are you scared of planes?” He queried, his own memory of Robin hyperventilating for the first hour of the flight replaying in his mind.
“I’m neutral, I’ve flown a few times before, but I’m not super comfortable.” You revealed, “What about you?”
“Same here. I used to hate them because it meant my dad was on a business trip that I’d be dragged along to, but now I can do it for funner reasons.”
Nodding, a smirk formed on your face, “I don’t think funner is a word, gorgeous.”
Ignoring the pet name that made him flustered, he pouted, pushing away from the edge to walk forward.
“It is to me!” He argued as you caught up with him, though he grabbed your hand within seconds.
The area was now familiar as he and Robin had wandered these streets on their first day, excited to be in a new place for the first time.
A few strangers wandered the roads, a cigarette lit between their lips as they trotted. Though, Steve had his sights set on the building at the corner of the two roads, a photo booth there.
Before you could question his motive, he dragged you in, squeezing onto the plastic seat, the bright light overhead. Popping a euro in, he paid for two film strips.
“Okay, what are we doing?” He asked, looking at you hopefully, the first photo accidentally going off, “Shit!”
Through giggles, you pulled him closer to look at the camera with wide grins, then a silly one. For the last one, he didn’t ask or follow your lead, he grabbed your warm cheeks and kissed you.
The final click was ignored as he continued to move his lips against yours, your nose slightly cold against the frigid air. Breathless, he pulled away, forehead against yours for a beat.
Returning outside the curtain, you each got your film strips, smiling at them in your grasp. The film shined under the streetlights, a glossy finish on the paper, placing it carefully in your purse.
With his hand in yours, you continued on, the wind whistling through tree branches and against thin window panes. The roads twisted and turned, passing by restaurants whose lights had been out for hours.
“I really enjoy spending time with you.” You mumbled, resting your head against his arm, “I wish I didn’t have to leave-”
“Hey, c’mon, don’t think about that right now. We have a few hours left.” He consoled, though sadness dripped from his words as he felt the same dread.
“I’m going to write you a letter, but you can’t open it until I leave tomorrow.” You announced, shuffling through your purse, ripping two pages from your small notebook, and grabbing a pen.
“I want to do one too.” Steve added, taking a sheet and your spare pen.
Taking a seat at a nearby bar, you sat at different tables outside, covering your words with your forearm despite the distance. Occasional playful sneers were thrown each other's way before smiling.
Both of you resisted the urge to tear it open, seeing what the other truly thought. Part of him doubted you fell for him, convincing him he’d hear the painful words that it was bullshit. Part of you doubted he fell for you, another boy taking your feelings and crushing them.
Folding them neatly, you exchanged your messages, leaving a lip gloss-covered kiss on yours. Your eyes locked as you stood still, letters in each pocket, it seemed like a trance. It was broken by the speeding of a yellow cab, swinging the turn like the cops were after him.
“We should probably call a cab,” Steve suggested, looking at his time as it taunted both of you, approaching the side of the building near a payphone, “I have some coins if you need-”
Glossy lips touched his slightly chapped ones, molding against one another in bliss as you ignored his words, back bumping against the brick wall.
Not the most abrupt, the quiet of the night made you bolder, knowing that even if someone was around, they were likely wandering or going straight home. They didn’t know you and they didn’t know Steve, you were just two strangers kissing under the dark sky.
His hands went around your waist, pulling you closer with a grunt, hand covering a portion of your bottom. His gorgeous locks were soon woven in between your fingers, feeling how soft they were. His teeth caught your plush lips in a whimper, gasping when he pulled away.
“Fiesty.” He teased, making you whine, dropping your head onto his shoulder. Remembering his hands were on your ass, he pulled away, reaching for the red door to call the taxi.
The operator sent him forward, looking back at the street name and the building you were in front of. The man’s gruff voice was hard to understand, practically smelling the cigarette smoke through the speaker.
“Trying to get rid of me.” You sighed as he walked out, arms opening and engulfing you despite your quick wit.
Arms around one another, you stood in the sounds of your accompanying breath, hearing his heartbeat through his sweater.
“Are you cold?” He worried, rubbing your arms lovingly as the stillness of your bodies made the temperature settle.
“I’m okay, don’t let go.” You mumbled against his chest, feeling vibrations of his stifled laugh.
A taxi whipped around the tight corner, bright lights shining in your faces. He relinquished his hold to open the door, hand meeting the small of your back to guide you inside to sit.
The London lights blurred together as you rested your head on his shoulder, secretly inhaling his scent and hoping you’ll be able to remember it.
Shapes in various sizes were drawn against the skin on your knee with his fingers, cheek pressed against your hair.
“God, I hope he remembered everything.” You sighed with humor, but also worried your friend would forget any essentials. Thankfully, you planned on spending most of the day out so your bag was pretty much packed.
“I hope he doesn’t, make you stuck here longer.” He smirked, squeezing your thigh.
The sound of the wet pavement froze as you entered the drop of section, people bustling towards the front doors of the airport filled with exhaustion and stress.
Steve unbuckled and opened the door for you, paying the driver before you could.
Mouth open to complain, he yanked you forward to kiss your lips, hands around your waist as yours went behind his neck.
Over dramatic and much more public than either of you typically preferred, there was nothing that could remove your lips from one another. Except Rodney.
“Dude!” A high pitched male voice let out as another taxi driver tossed the luggage onto the ground, a skinny man standing on the sidewalk with messed up hair.
Your frame left Steve’s grasp as you went to the baby blue suitcase on the ground, sitting it upright.
“About time, bitch!” The boy snapped, but there was familiarity behind it, “Ugh, girl, that was the worst car I’ve ever been in, smelled like piss- Wait who’s the cutie?” His voice dropped lower to avoid lingering ears at the last comment.
Scratching the back of his neck at the compliment, Steve let you introduce him, “Rodney, this is Steve, Steve this is my best friend, Rodney.”
“Hi.” He chuckled, “Sorry I stole her for the last night of your trip.”
“No, no, I see why she stayed.” Rodney smiled, nudging you who was more bashful than Steve had seen, “It’s nice to meet you, Steve. I’ll go ahead and get in line so you guys can say bye.”
Rodney walked off with all the baggage, a pep in his step despite the sun having yet to make an appearance.
Steve finally ripped his attention from the boy walking inside to you who looked to the road, tears already coating your eyes, “Hey, don’t cry, it’s okay.”
With a laugh, you subconsciously rubbed your nose, “I don’t know why I’m-“
“Oh no, trust me, I probably will cry too.” He eased your distress, embracing you in a final hug.
Each grip was tighter than the last for your hugs, this one nearly mending each body together. A peck left on the warmth of his neck, you lifted your head for a last kiss, his eagerness at an all-time high.
When your lips stopped moving, it took a moment to pull away as neither of you wanted to. A burning sensation reached your throat and behind your eyes, toes curling within your knitted socks.
“As cheesy as this may sound, I’ll never forget you, Steve. I’ll see you again- Unless you don’t want me to-“
“Don’t even finish that sentence because I am one bad decision away from hopping on that plane with you.” He quipped, leaning back enough to see your face.
“I’ll see you?” You murmured, not caring how stereotypical it sounded.
In romance movies, you’d groan at the common tear-jerking goodbyes, but as you stood in the midst of an airport goodbye, you understood. You got why they’d run back to the lover’s arms and never leave. You knew if you ran into Steve’s arms again, you’d never leave.
“Not if I see you first.” He mustered, kissing your forehead before revoking his arms from you, already burning with desire to reattach.
As the cotton fabric left your touch, you smiled at him through tears, turning on your heels and into the clear doors.
In the flurry of people, you turned around, waving at the boy who was right where you left him, and if you squint hard enough, you think you could still see your heart in his hands.
Steve waited until you joined Rodney, watching as the boy gave you a hug with a soothing hand on your back. Swallowing the influx of emotions, he walked away with lead-filled shoes, utilizing every ounce of self-control to keep going.
The tube station nearby ran to Piccadilly Circus, close enough to walk to his hotel from there. Securing a white stub, he found a seat on the nearly empty cart, a crunch sounding from his pocket.
Quickly taking the note covered in lip gloss out, he traced his thumb over the way you wrote his name. As the engine began, he unfolded the thin paper, taking a soothing breath.
Dear Steve,
Right now, you’re sitting at a metal table at a closed bar and I don’t think anyone’s looked more beautiful. My gut is dropping to my toes in fear that you don’t feel as strongly, but I think you do, that hasn’t happened to me before.
I’m not the best with words, but I love your hair and eyes and sweater and shoes and pink bandaid on your ankle. You’re incredibly kind and smart and memorable. You’ve given me more joy in these few hours than I’ve had in months.
I hope to see you again soon, gorgeous, I need to teach you how to draw one badass stick figure. My phone number and address are on the back of the paper, but don’t stalk me. Or do, I think you’d make your presence known anyways.
Love, Y/N.
The sounds around him went mute as he felt the unfamiliar sting of tears, something he never let himself embrace. But the words made his heart soar high enough to punch his nose, setting his emotions ablaze.
Meanwhile, you sat in the window seat on a full plane, Rodney already dozing off beside you as reached steady enough air to relinquish mandatory seat belts.
Your hand finally reached your bag, holding the paper from your own notebook that was covered in writing belonging to the boy at the cafe.
Dear Y/N,
I didn’t have any idea how this trip would go, but I’m glad you showed up at that coffee shop instead of the one down the road.
To start, you’re fucking beautiful. A kind of beautiful where even if you didn’t speak a word to me this morning, I would’ve talked Robin’s ear off about you all day anyways.
You’re so nice, like so nice it gives me cavities. (Just kidding, perfectly healthy teeth- That was very stupid, sorry) And you are so gentle and caring, I want to spend more and more time seeing it because even when you weren’t looking at me, I felt my cheeks getting red.
I hope I don’t sound too dumb when I say this, but you made me feel very happy. I hadn’t felt a need to spend so much time with one person in a very long time, to open up to someone like I did today. But it felt natural, like anything else would’ve been a crime.
My grandpa loved this Frank Sinatra song called Bewitched, I don’t remember the words, but I know the feelings when I thought of someone caring for me that way and I heard it as we danced a few hours ago. You’ve bewitched me.
My address and phone number are on the back, I just really hope you can read my terrible handwriting.
You mean a lot to me.
<3,
Steve.
“Honey, you okay?” Rodney whispered, watching your wet cheeks be wiped away with a napkin.
Nodding, you folded the note and put it in your purse, “I’m okay, Rod,” You sniffled, staring at your shoes that had reminisced of dirt from the grasses and sidewalks you strolled.
“I think I could be a witch.” You declared with an elbow to his bicep, his snort was subtle as he grabbed your hand and squeezed it. You longed for Steve’s.
“Hey,” You alerted the boy to your right, “Want to go to Indiana?”
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