#Steve Harrington x ofc

[ash5monster01]

Not Just The Books

Pairing: Steve Harrington x FemReader

Warnings: 18+, no use of Y/N, smut, nudity, language, fluff, friends to lovers, minors DNI.

Summary: Steve catches you reading a smutty book and before the embarrassment can settle in you realize he is more interested in doing the stuff in the book with you.

word count: 3.5k

Masterlist

It was not uncommon for you and Steve to be able to sit in silence comfortably. Sometimes having the presence of a friend while you did different things was so much better than being alone. So you both sat comfortably in his living room, you in the easy chair, lamp on to illuminate your book, and him in the center of the couch, slumped down, as he watched whatever was on TV. The sound didn’t bother you as you read, you normally were in another world, not noticing the things around you. So even though Steve had the TV blaring with the hearing of a Grandpa, you didn’t even mind, the TV could explode and you wouldn’t notice. Thing was Steve always noticed you, even if his favorite movie was on TV.

So when he spotted you uncrossing your legs it peaked his interest. You still hadn’t torn your eyes from the book to see he had noticed your movement. Steve had almost turned away until he saw you had pressed your legs together, your teeth capturing your bottom lip. His heart accelerated slightly because he knew that kind of movement. He had caused many of girls that kind of movement, so when you started to shift in your seat, your breaths coming out in smaller pants he realized there was something more to the book you had tightly gripped in your hands. You still didn’t even flinch as Steve stood and walked over to you, in fact you couldn’t even tear your eyes from the page as he quite literally did it for you.

“Steve!” you screeched and he quickly noticed how dilated your eyes were, how fast your chest rose with each breath. You looked like a woman starved.

“Since when do books make you act like that” Steve teased, eyebrows raised highly and you felt the embarrassment burn through you.

“Please give me my book back” you begged, hand out, waiting for him to hand it over.

“You know, normally I would” and the panic started to set in as he turned the book towards himself. Steve never attempted to read your books. Why now?

“Please Steve!” you we’re quick, lunging towards him, but he was quicker. Your voice was rough, all worked up, and no one had even touched you.

“It’s always Steve you need to read more, when was the last time you opened a book, and now you don’t want me too?” he knew he was getting under your skin and you just prayed he woundn't read the page you were on. If there was some higher power out there they would keep him from reading that page right now.

“Just not that book, I was enjoying it” even Steve could hear how uncomfortable you sounded as you said it. It was as if you were trying to get him to cough it up without knowing what was so interesting about it.

“Well, I want to see what’s so good” and just like that his eyes dipped down and you launched for him. Yet Steve escaped your grasp, running across the room, and leaping onto the couch where he stood. Book now face open and you got to watch him read it in real time, like he was on a stage.

Claire panted out heavy breaths, skin on fire everywhere he left a wet love bite and blew on it. She tried to steady her breathing but as his wet kisses trailed down her stomach, finishing on the waist band of her shorts, she couldn’t quite seem to stop the breaths that came out.

Slowly his fingers curled into her waistband and she lifted her hips to make it easier, a silent conformation that what he was doing was okay. As the cool air of the bedroom hit her dripping core she couldn’t help but whimper over the thought of him burying himself between her folds.

“So perfect” he spoke, his tongue darting out to take a small taste. “And sweet”

Then just like that he was devouring her completely. So fast her back arched without her knowledge, pressing into him as he deliciously lapped up everything he could. Eating her out better than anyone ever had, and as his nose nudged against her clit she couldn’t help but begin to feel the coil tighten in her stomach. He had barely done anything and she was already ready to cum.

“Holy shit” Steve muttered, dropping his arms that held the book as he looked down at you from the couch. Very much unable to meet his eyes as he realized exactly what you were reading.

“Can I have my book back now?” you nervously asked, arm rubbing up and down your other one. Steve jumped back down to the ground. Trying to regain your gaze.

“Want to explain this to me?” he asked, holding it over and you quickly snatched it back.

“Not particularly” you now hyper aware of exactly how alone the two of you were right now.

“You like to read dirty books” he chuckled like a little kid and finally you dared to glance up at him only to see a smug look on his face, like he obtained information he was going to hold over your head for years to come.

“Most girls do Steve” you hissed attempting to hit him with the book but he quickly stopped you, his head coming to a shake.

“Whatever you say, it just looked like you were really enjoying it. I’d never seen you so…” he paused, trying to think of a word, and your heart accelerated. Thumping quickly against your ribs and you prayed he couldn’t hear it. “Worked up”

You sucked in a sharp breath as he said it and the air around you turned heavy. This had gone from embarrassing to mortifying because not only did you get caught reading about sex but you got caught for it turning you on. Steve had noticed you were turned on and now you wished he didn’t notice you even existed. “Can we not talk about this, I was acting like I always do”

“That’s a lie, you wouldn’t move while reading even if a tornado came through here but you couldn’t even sit still. You were needy and I know it because I’ve seen it a hundred times” now you were red as a fire truck and Steve was enjoying this way too much. Yet he was also getting turned on which he shouldn’t have because it’s you. His longest and oldest friend, the one he can be completely comfortable with but now he wanted to know exactly how wet you were from that stupid book and he wanted to see if he could get you wetter.

“Ah yes, King Steve, ruler of sex. Can’t take a hint but knows when a girl is turned on” you told him sarcastically, annoyed he insisted on embarrassing you further.

“So you admit to being turned on?” he said with a smirk and you rolled your eyes with a groan.

“My God give it a break, yes I was turned on, is that what you want to hear?” you asked him and as you let out heavy breaths and waited for him to give a sarcastic answer it never came. Instead he stared you down, like you admitting this suddenly made you a four course meal. Steve had never looked at you like this and now you were nervous all over again but about an entirely different thing.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” you nervously asked, attempting to back away from him because now the foot and half between you two was way too close.

“I’m not doing anything” he told you, stepping towards you to shorten the distance again and you wished he hadn’t of done it because now Steve was replacing the guy in the book for you.

“Yes you are, you’re looking at me like you want to kiss me” you said, trying to make it sound like a joke but even to you is sounded nervous. Steve just tilted his head, eyeing you up and down completely.

“It looks like that because I do want to kiss you” how was he so comfortable talking to you like this? You had never crossed this line before and now you wanted him to touch you and stay away all at the same time. “So can I kiss you?”

“I uh, I I..-“ you stammered, unsure how you went from peacefully ignoring each other to the edge of the line. If you say yes you would give him a reason to cross it and that was a lot of responsibility for a person.

“I need an answer sweetheart, because I really really want to kiss you” he spoke slowly and you swallowed hard, still turned on from the book and now a little turned on by him.

“Uh yeah, I-I guess” you told him and a grin cracked across his face and before you could say anything more his hands were on your face and drawing your lips near his own. He waited a minute before pressing them to yours, whether is was hesitant or savory you weren’t sure. But after a steady breath he pressed against you, mouth hot and slotting between your own lips perfectly. He was a good kisser but you already knew that.

It took only seconds for it to get heated, his hands tugging lightly at your hair and tongue grazing your lip. You parted in an instant, letting his tongue tangle with your own and then it was over. He had you backing up all the way to wall, your back thumping against it, and his knee wedging between your legs. Against your better judgement you started to grind against it, unable to stop your self considering how worked up you had been. “Getting yourself so turned on without any release, seems like torture sweetheart”

“There was going to be release, later, when I was alone” and your response had Steve’s head tipping back as he let out a groan.

“Still unfair, why don’t you let me take care of you?” Steve coaxed and you involuntarily ground down on his leg, knowing release was right around the corner if you just let him. Was it worth it though? To cross this line just for some sweet release? For a touch that could unwind you more than your own hands could? You knew Steve was a good lay, had been legend among the Hawkins High halls because of it. Should you even find out for yourself with risk of ruining the friendship? Fuck it.

You didn’t even have to answer based on the way your lips smashed back into his own. He met your pace in the blink of an eye and you couldn’t keep yourself from pulling at the hem of his shirt, trying to lift it above his head. Even needier at the sight of his bare torso you began to ride his leg like your life depended on it. A deep chuckle left his throat as his hands dug in the doughy flesh of your hips, slowing your movements against him. He wanted to take his sweet time with you and if he went any slower you were going to be a whining mess.

“What do you need baby?” he asked against your neck, sucking hard on the sensitive spot there and you were in no position to care that he probably gave you a crimson hickey.

“Take off my shirt” you told him with a groan, keening as he licked the sore spot of your neck. He obeyed, removing the baggy T-shirt you had worn over here just to be met with the sight that you had forgone a bra. You watched as his eyes turned almost black at the sight of you, swallowing thickly before cupping his hands around both your breasts. The minute he began to knead the flesh your head was hitting back against the wall, fighting from grinding on his leg again. Something about Steve needily groping your chest ignited a fire within you and you had been doing good until your nipple was sucked into his warm mouth and involuntarily you bucked your hips on his leg so hard you felt your hips bones hit his own.

"Such a needy girl" he teased before moving to suck on your other breast. As much as his words turned you on you still found yourself needing to feel more in control. Steve would be too cocky knowing he got you to so desperately fall apart like this. So in a moment of courage you took some intiative. With his eyes still closed, mouth littering your breast with hickeys, you dropped your hand down and grasped his hard on through his sweats. You felt the squeak from his throat on your breast as you began to stroke him through his pants and just as the girls had said in highschol, Steve was intimidatingly big.

“Looks like the book turned more than just me on” you teased, a sly smile on your face and Steve removed his mouth from your breast, tongue grazing up the skin of you neck till he was face to face.

“That’s not the book, that’s you” he told you and these words gave you the rush of confidence you needed for your fingers to slip below his waist band and grasp his cock right at the base. He hissed at the feeling of your cool fingers and the attention you were giving him.

“Stevie is needy too, what does he need?” you hummed, eyes wide and innocently looking up at him. He squeezed his own eyes shut as you slowly stroked him, prepared to ease him out of his pants.

“Baby this is about you” he told you, trying his best to back away but you had a grip on him that he was enjoying way too much.

“I know, that’s why I want to do this” and you were spinning both of you around, pressing him against the wall he previously had you caged in. He groaned as you dropped to your knees, breasts swinging as you finally pulled his sweat pants down. His length stared you down but he looked delicious as ever. If someone had ever suggested you’d be sucking your best friends cock tonight you would’ve told them they were lying but now here you were, taking him into your mouth. You hummed at the saltiness of his skin, tongue swirling around his swollen tip. He grabbed your hair without even realizing, trying to ease you to take more of him. Slacking your jaw you allowed him to glide in and out of your warm mouth, letting him hit the back of your throat, humming against him which made him writhe against the wall.

“Okay, stop I’m going to cum” he pulled you off of him, arms easing under your own and lifting you to your feet as if you weighed nothing. You smiled deviously at him, chin slick with spit and he didn’t waste two seconds before pulling you into a deep kiss. “It’s my turn to get a taste now”

He was mumbling against your lips, arms wrapped around you as he carried you over to the couch he had been watching TV on. Once he had you laid gently across it he was removing his own pants and dropping to his knees to remove yours. He made sure to take his sweet time, pulling the soft material down your legs, memorizing the cream color of the lace panties that had been soaked against your mound. You tried not to whine out as he touched you everywhere but there. You were on the verge of begging until he finally moved to pull the cream fabric off of you. You went to close your legs but his arm stopped you, keeping you wide open for him.

“So perfect” he said and you groaned out.

“Don’t tease” and Steve knew you meant both about the book and about how he was taking care of you. So he just grinned before dipping down and licking a long stripe through your folds.

“And sweet” and you didn’t have any time to yell at him because he was devouring you whole. Your stomach jumped as he sucked harshly at your clit, back arching and pressing your pussy straight into his face. His hands gripped the back of your thighs, more than likely leaving bruised finger prints but you hoped they did. You wanted to remember the mind numbing head Steve Harrington gave you. You almost didn’t expect him to be so good at eating you out. You should’ve thought because your heels were digging into his back, hands tugging harshly as his curls, and you were moaning unapologetically because he was just that good. You could feel the coil begin to tighten in your stomach and you were grinding against his tongue, movements getting faster indicating you were right there. It wasn’t until his lips wrapped around your clit did you find yourself begin to snap, shaking as your body seemed to leave earth and come back to you all at once.

“Hope you’ve got another one in you baby” he cooed, kissing up your stomach and breasts. He finally met your mouth and even though you were already half worn out you found yourself gripping his cock in your hand again. He winced due to holding his own orgasm off and your thumb gently rolled over his tip.

“Show me what you’ve got Harrington” you were telling him, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips before sucking on his neck. Steve hoped you were leaving your mark and soon enough you were lining him up between your legs. You shuttered as he ran himself through your slick.

He couldn’t wait any longer and finally he was pushing himself in you, bottoming out in seconds as you fully sucked him in. He knew not to move as your mouth froze against his neck and he moved to kiss your lips, an apology and promise that it would stop hurting soon. He was in his own pain of needed relief until your hand was grazing down his bare back.

“Please move, I’m begging you” and he didn’t need to be told twice as he pulled back and slammed into you again. You moaned loudly and he quickly found his pace, moving in and out of you as best he could. Swiftly you grabbed his hands, placing them on your breasts which he didn’t hesitate to grip. He used them for balance as he slammed in and out you, massaging them and loving them as best he could. The way you were reacting made him realize this was what turned you on most, attention to your breasts. Needing to have his release soon he dipped down, removing one hand to suck at your nipple as hard as he could, hips still slamming into you. The wet heat of his mouth had you keening in seconds and you gasped out, trying your best not to yell.

“I’m coming Steve, fuck cum in me please” you begged and he almost came right there as he heard those words. In moments you were pulsating around him, clenching tightly and milking him for all he was worth. The tightness of you made him follow right after, thick ropes shooting into you. You panted heavily as you gripped his shoulders, indicating him not to move.

“I want you inside of me a little longer” you told him and he slowly eased down onto you, trying his best not to move and overstimulate you.

“Where the fuck did this behavior come from?” he asked, pressing gentle kisses to the hickeys he had littered your breasts with. He was trying his best not to get hard over the fact he was still inside of you.

“I’ve always been like this Steve” you told him, feeling him twitch inside you.

“This dirty, why haven’t we been fucking sooner?” he chuckled, mouth kissing your chin and you rolled your eyes.

“Because I don’t fuck around Steve, and I always told myself that if we did this it had to be real” and the weight of your words hit him with surprise. Yet it wasn’t the kind of surprise you had expected.

“You mean to tell me you liked me this whole time too? Then what the fuck have we been waiting for?” he groaned out and your eyes widened as you reached for him.

“You like me too?” you hopefully asked and he smiled, lifting to press his mouth to your own. You winced as he slipped out of you, no doubt a mess all over the couch that now had to be cleaned.

“Hell I love you, I’ve always loved you” he told you after a beat and you smiled up at him, realizing you should’ve read dirty books around him sooner.

“We’ll in that case, let’s do this again”

For you to enjoy <3: @jjmaybankswifes-blog @halflifejess

[werdlewrites]

masterlist - ao3 - twitter @ djomamma

summary: “Do you do that a lot?” Dr. Owens questions, briefly resting his chin in a curled fist. “Do what?” She says with the click of her tongue. Her stubborn attitude keeps a grin on the man's face. A look of genuine entertainment no matter the softened glare in her eye or bitterness in the tone. She knows what he’s asking, yet dives out of fire and deflects with sarcasm. A behavior Jim Hopper had warned him of. “Avoid a challenging situation with humor. We all know why you’re here–why you came back for another session. But you,” he takes a pause as his fingers flick through the air in gesture. “dance around the topic.” wc: 2,672 warnings: therapy, hallucination, denial

It’s December twenty-first, and the air has grown colder. The snowfall was heavier - collecting on the ground and piling up against the windows. There’s laughter in the air. It’s heard throughout the small town of Hawkins as she passes them by in the early morning. There’s a lack of empathy - but more so, envy. The teenage girl expects to find her burden lifted - space given up and freed for more joy, rather than sorrow. Yet, despite last night's confessions, there’s a shocking lack of relief. A soul that aches and pleas beneath the ticking of the clock. The race of an anxious heart as she stares out at the white expanse, searching for what she longed for.

A moment of peace.

His voice is buried by her thoughts. Muffled questions eventually come to a halt as he takes notice of her attention elsewhere. He even spares a glance toward that same window, finding nothing of importance. The doctor is patient and kind. Holding out a hand to stall the officer at the other end of the room, who was prepared to break the spell. Dr. Owens simply lets her be. Let her wallow in it until she’s ready to come out from hiding all on her own.

Like a wounded dog reaching out to a hand of kindness. It’s frightened expression finally fades as it pokes its head out from the comforting shadows. Timidly accepting the gift of love when trust was hard to find.

Or, a lost child. Standing on two weak legs with only the company of tall trees. Finding safety in their shade but moving further into nothingness as they wander in hopes of discovering someone to guide them home. Dr. Owens would act as her guide, should she need him.

The girl's statuesque form slowly melts in the passing seconds. A deep breath was seen with the rise of her chest as though she had been suffocating. A sudden blink of her eyes in sudden awareness before they fall on her therapist. “D’you say something?”

He could become frustrated by her drifting attention span, yet all he can do is smile kindly. “I was asking about the beginning.”

It's with those few words that her demeanor changes. She’s slumped in the seat with arms crossed over her chest, chewing at her bottom lip with a leg swaying back and forth. It’s a topic of discomfort - hell, this entire session and the ones to follow were nothing short of fearful. Addressing the already known and digging at the roots, hoping to bring light to an unknown darkness.“The beginning?”

He only nods in reply, still wearing that same grin while her focus veers off in thought. Her answer does nothing to sway him. Instead, the look of amusement grows. “Roughly four billion years ago. But, who’s t’say there was nothin’ before dinosaurs? Everyone has different opinions.”

The sheriff’s disappointed sigh is painfully audible as all falls into silence. Even without his presence, you could envision fingers pressed deep into tired eyes out of frustration. Teenagers - especially stubborn ones, were a challenge on an entirely new level. One neither man had experience with.

“Do you do that a lot?” Dr. Owens questions, briefly resting his chin in a curled fist.

“Do what?” She says with the click of her tongue.

Her stubborn attitude keeps a grin on the man's face. A look of genuine entertainment no matter the softened glare in her eye or bitterness in the tone. She knows what he’s asking, yet dives out of fire and deflects with sarcasm. A behavior Jim Hopper had warned him of. “Avoid a challenging situation with humor. We all know why you’re here–why you came back for another session. But you,” he takes a pause as his fingers flick through the air in gesture. “dance around the topic.”

Her gaze flickers between an opened notepad with its pen resting at the hinge, to the recorder just at the corner of his desk. She wonders about the emptiness. The long spans of silence she allows and if you could picture a cold stare matched with the response. “I don’t know when it really began. It’s all I’ve known.”

Blue eyes cast up toward the ceiling in thought. Lips pursed as a hum rattles within his chest. He’s thinking of where to go next - what to ask. How to keep her on this path without detour. And maybe, for a moment, she finds some sympathy for the man. Autumn had come here willingly, yet refused to chip away at her walls. Ignored the weak spots with purpose - to remain ignorant despite a yearning to know.

“Someone was in the mirror. In the walls.” Her admission is softened and almost shameful. Looking down at her bouncing knees as she feels his focus shift back toward her. “Every mirror. Every wall. I could hear them-”

“Them?” He interrupts. His arms now fallen to tangle together as his torso leans inward, invested. “Multiple voices?”

Again, dull eyes fall on the frosted glass and the snow carried by a gust of wind. “I don’t know,” the teen replies with a heavy sigh. “I can’t remember what it all sounded like. I just–I just remember-”

The faucet was left running. Steam building and rising to ghost along the surface of her reflection. She had lost track of time - gaining a lack of direction when so many fingers pointed back at her. Autumn had never been the ‘new girl’ until now. Unaware of childish behaviors and fears as they dodged her in the hallways. Or the opposite eagerness to steal the open seat at her side, like Steve had, ready to make a new friend.

Autumn simply went elsewhere. Entrapped in old familiarities of her home and the kind words her father gave, all left on repeat to give comfort. It isn’t until the scalding water splashes against her wrist that she’s pulled into the present, hastily turning the nozzle back until the water ceases.

At first, it’s soft. Murmurs that almost seemed like a hushed conversation at her back, hidden behind stall doors. When she looks, there are no small feet in the misty glass. No bookbags to suggest she wasn’t alone.

Then, a fingerprint. A young girl can see every ridge until it fully flattens. The spot is now clear of steam, leaving beads of water to drip and clear the way. There’s no more voice. Only the achingly loud beat of a racing heart echoed in her ears. It carves out a message at a slow pace. Line by tedious line until it reads a simple, “Hello.”

Figures of classmates fill her vision - small and talking with excitement as they enter the bathroom together. One takes notice of Autumn and the look of fright in her eyes, asking if she is okay in a sweet tone. The girl points to the mirror, talking excitedly about something unnatural. And while she sees every letter so clearly, they only see the dampened surface.

That’s when the fear began.

The fear of Autumn Reid.

“What happened?” The Doctor questions. His icy eyes cast downward to his paper, writing every small detail down of a girl's pitiful story as she spirals into psychosis. The way those few girls ran from the bathroom, terror in their eyes. How they confided in some random teacher, who then reported it to higher-ups, dragging the girl to the office so she could wait for her father and address concerns.

A doctor visits their home, though Autumn can’t recall him giving any attention to her ailments, speaking with Ian instead. What’s the worth of a child's word, anyway? Drowned out and small as they stand beneath the shadow of giants.

“I think my medication was increased. Things…sort of fizzled out, after. But never really stayed gone.” Her eyes look beyond the man - to the organized clutter spread out along the table just behind him. The still Newton’s Cradle, stacks of various books on mental health, and the sticky notes that spilled out between pages. And the tall plant that stood in the sunlight. Its plastic leaves shine but never need the life nature gives. For a moment, she sees her father's ugly-colored walls and dark furniture. The file cabinets and cases that lined the walls just before she destroyed it.

Ripped her home apart piece by piece to escape the monster wearing human flesh. Picturing the dirt beneath her nails as she climbed the steps, finding her room and beloved plants flipped and tattered with purpose. It brings about a sudden ache. A strike of lighting to the base of her skull radiates and burns through every nerve as it dances. Autumn suddenly feels too heavy. She allows her body to collapse forward with her palms opened for her head to rest.

“What’s happening?” the doctor questions. His face twisted with concern though it goes unnoticed by the girl as she rubs at her eyes. A pitiful attempt to wipe away the images stained within them. “Nothing,” she nearly spits out. Forcefully prying her head away to meet his eyes, while her arms hang loose between parted knees. Even without seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, by her mere tone he can tell it was a lie. The girl was haunted. You could feel the chill of ghosts that followed her wherever she went. Stuck to her ankles by shackles she had no strength to break free from.

“Are you sleeping well?”

She can’t help the genuine, huff of a laugh that escapes. Not at him - more, the reality of her life. Kids her age sleep soundly, tucked in their beds. Or maybe their insomnia takes hold and keeps them up for late hours - something easily explained. Unlike the horrors that crept through her nightmares. Unlike the demon that wore Steve’s face. A vessel used to incite fear and confusion. “I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night.”

Dr. Owens's chin rests in his palm. Pen tilts upward and dangerously close to marking his skin. But he seems entranced by this new path the pair have wandered down. “Is it because you can’t? Or don’t want to?” Her heavy sigh is all he needs to confirm what he already knows. Not bothering to make small notes as he holds their connection. Full of sincerity. “What are you avoiding? Is it…this feeling of vulnerability? Something you see, perhaps.”

Tired eyes narrow into a glare as she puts her guard back up. Her posture slouched as her back rests against the chair, arms crossed along with a once bouncing leg now laid out over the other. His assumption leaves the teen uncomfortable as it effortlessly hits all of the right notes. As if can see right through her. As if he knows her. “Nightmares?”

“They don’t feel like nightmares. Before, I could just wake up and leave it behind. Whatever I saw. But, I could be here. I could be right here,” her gaze moves down toward her lap. Counting every thread of denim for fear his face will begin to morph into something else, or someone. Her entire life a mere hallucination as reality breaks apart before her. “And then, I’m not. I’m somewhere else. I’m with someone else.”

Dr. Owens remains silent just across from her. Fingers now curled and pressed to his lips as he watches that wall finally crumble bit by bit. In every word, he can hear her dread. The anxiety of simply acknowledging her madness out loud, and what it did to her. What it did to others. He wants to reach for her and offer some comfort but fights back the impulse to stay seated out of fear she may close back up.

“It’s all so real, but at the same time, it isn’t. I–I can’t always tell if I’m really awake. But, the fear-”

“The fear you feel is real,” he interjects. Watching as his words slowly sink in and the way she hesitantly nods in agreement. The subtle movement of her finger as it pulls the sleeve aside to reveal clean skin, before concealing herself once more. He doesn’t question it but makes a quick note with frantic movement.

The clock ticks on and he finds himself taking fewer and fewer notes. Keeping his focus on the girl as she hesitantly carves out every demon to set free. But they linger. Stuck to her like glue and the moment she describes what she’s seen in the night or the light of day, they crawl back into their shell. Forever part of her and unwilling to let go.

Autumn brings up her father's behavior in their final days together. Irritable, and filled with lies. Confrontational and desperate to get a grip on something he was losing. How she doesn’t remember the words spoken in their fight, only of what came after. Almost as if she woke up in the parking lot of that grocery store. The girl says she knows what he was like. How he listened to her troubles with an openmindedness, giving the only advice he felt appropriate.

“Let them in.”

Or the way he pushed and guided her through these changes in her mind. Ways to cope and accept it, rather than shy away from the unfamiliar. He wanted this. So, why did he leave her in the end? When he saw what she could do? Why did he favor his project, while his daughter was achieving the unimaginable?

The session lasts for over an hour - it’s evident in the change of light and the purposeful cough from the officer just outside of the office, in the hallway. Hopper wants it all to move slowly. No pressure, and no overextended visits so her mental health could recover. And she caves to his call as her bag is slung across her shoulder.

“One moment,” Owens states, quick to stand from his seat behind the desk, leaving Autumn frozen in place, watching as he digs through a duffle bag. What emerges is a large box neatly concealed in wrapping paper. The closer it gets, the more she can make out Candy Canes and Christmas Stockings with kittens stuffed inside. And as she holds it, she can’t help but give him a puzzled look.

“I’m sorry about the paper,” he says with a sheepish laugh. “I couldn’t find anything else.” The girl remains quiet. Fingers locked around the smooth edges with a brow raised in his direction, waiting for some sort of explanation. “Tomorrow is your birthday, isn’t it?”

“W–well, yeah. But, this can’t be appropriate, right? You’re my therapist.” Her words seem to ignite something in the bored officer. The rustle of his pants is heard in the silence as he rounds the corner, standing just after the doorway to fully understand what was happening. The doctor merely offers up a hand of peace, smiling.

“It’s really nothing. Please, I insist. Take it as a sign of…trust? Friendship?”

Autumn casts a quick look over her shoulder for reassurance from her guardian, and he gives it with a small shrug of his shoulders. He’d inspect it first, most likely. Deem it safe enough to remain in her possession. No wires or ticks–just a simple gift.

“It’s a game,” he confesses. As if the secret had been bubbling up and he could no longer withstand the pressure of it. “All about strategy. A useful thing to practice, as everything here…can apply to your life. Be aware of your surroundings. Trust in your gut, and make the move. Don’t be held back by your fears.”

Confused, her focus shifts from the heavy box to his face multiple times. Unsure of what to do or say while he seemed so passionate about a gift to a girl he hardly knew. She forces a weary smile as the distance between them grows. His hands clasped before him with a prideful look in his eyes. “Happy Birthday, Ms. Reid.”

[yelena-bellova]

UNLUCKY: A STRANGER THINGS STORY (OC) - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Chapter Thirteen: Just Another Day

Series Masterlist l OC Profile

Plot: Nearing the one year anniversary of both Will’s disappearance and Christine’s arrival, life in Hawkins goes on (seemingly) as normal.

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: child experimentation, child a*use, language

A/N: Well, it only took two years but here we are! Switching this story to OC is one of my favorite decisions I’ve ever made. I hope anyone who decides to read enjoys it <3

—————

1977 // Hawkins Laboratory

When raising children, every parenting book advises to keep consistency. In an ever changing word, kids thrive on knowing there are certain things they can depend on. Pizza for dinner every Wednesday night, their favorite cartoon playing on a Saturday morning, a bedtime ritual with their parents.

In the case of Martin Brenner, his children could always depend that when it came to their lessons, he was always on time.

Like an eager schoolboy, he waited, or sometimes even walked them to the training room. He’d never show his glee, but there was a joy underneath that only belonged to the sickest individuals. It took a true sociopath to revel in child experimentation.

On one occasion, it was Thirteen’s morning to spend with Papa. She sat at the metal table in the small room, hands nervously gripping the sides of her chair, knowing what he would ask her to do before he said it.

Brenner leaned down, “Okay, Thirteen. Let’s try this again.”

Thirteen glanced down at the picture in front of her. A man, tall and bearded. The same one as the day before.

She shut her eyes.

Breathe.

Focus.

Find him.

With all her strength, she tried to slip into the darkness and locate him. She could hear his thoughts, his voice, but she couldn’t see him.

Thirteen opened her eyes, tearful, and looked to her Papa.

“I can’t.”

“Try again,” he encouraged.

She was tired. Ever since Brenner had noticed she was unable to locate beings as well as the other children, he’d been working her harder. Pushing her to get the maximum results. It had been three straight weeks of individual sessions.

Thirteen gave a hiccuping little cry, “I can’t find him.”

“Try again, Thirteen,” Brenner pushed.

“I can’t-“

“Try-“

“I CAN’T!”

Brenner and the personnel behind the glass startled. The children were rarely ever so disobedient, particularly Thirteen.

“Alright then.”

A buzzer sounded and the door opened. Two orderlies came into the room and grabbed Thirteen by the arms.

“No,” she cried, her voice raising each time they didn’t listen, “No! No! No!”

They carried her out, lifting her into the air when she tried to drop her legs. She couldn’t go back there.

“Papa, please,” she screamed, “No!!”

Brenner did not watch as they dragged her away. It was for her own good.

Thrown into the room kept for when the children acted up, Thirteen scrambled to her feet. The door was about to close.

“Don’t leave me here,” she screamed as she ran, “PAPA!”

The lock clicked.

Thirteen fell to her knees and wept. She had tried, she had tried so hard. But she couldn’t force what wasn’t there. She could do other things, better than some of her brothers and sisters, but she couldn’t do this.

She curled into a ball on the floor, waiting an undeterminable amount of time for Brenner to let her out. The only condition of her release was the same each day: that she’d do better tomorrow.

—————————

October 30th, 1984 // Hawkins High

A sharp poke to my arm brought me back to reality.

I turned to see Jonathan nodding towards Mr. Davies. I’d completely zoned out. Luckily, our test had been last week and I could afford a moment or two of distraction.

It wasn’t often that I had flashbacks to the lab, but when they happened, they hit hard. It was going to take a lot of work the rest of the day to try and shake it off.

The bell finally rang and the class rose, descending into their own conversations.

“Where’s your head?” Jonathan smiled.

“Lunch,” I replied, trying to move on, “If you drive, I’ll pay.”

Nancy squeezed through the aisle to join us, “Are you guys going off campus for lunch?”

“It’s meatloaf day,” I settled my backpack on my shoulder, “That’s a no-brainer.”

The three of us filed out with the rest of our class. At the door, Tina was handing out bright orange fliers. Nancy and I each took one, but Jonathan swerved around her hand.

“Could I get one more?” Nancy asked, catching up with us and pushing the paper into Jonathan’s hand, “You’re coming to this.”

“‘Come and get sheet faced,’” he read aloud, “No, I’m not.”

“Oh, come on, it could be fun,” I said.

“We can’t let you sit all alone on Halloween,” Nancy went on, “That’s just not acceptable.”

“Well, you can relax,” Jonathan looked between us, “I’m not gonna be alone. I’m going trick-or-treating with Will.”

Nancy was unfazed, “All night?”

“Yeah.”

“No, no way,” Nancy shook her head, “You’re gonna be home by 8:00, listening to the Talking Heads and reading Vonnegut or something.”

Jonathan shrugged, “Sounds like a nice night.”

“Will you help me out here?” Nancy looked over to me.

As much as I wanted a night with both of them, I could never get in the way of Jonathan and Will. I had the same sense of duty, regardless of how secretive I had to keep it.

“I don’t even know if I can go yet,” I replied, earning a groan from Nancy, “Hopper might want me to stay in.”

We stopped at Nancy’s locker. “Okay, we’ll work on Hopper,” she said, “But Jonathan, just come. I mean, who knows, you might even, like, meet someone.”

Just then, a brown haired blur shout out from around the corner, picking Nancy up and spinning her around. I jumped back a little, Steve was anything if not subtle.

“Take those stupid things off,” Nancy playfully smacked Steve’s chest, referring to the sunglasses that were part of their couple’s costume.

“I missed you,” Steve gushed.

“Can you miss her and not give others a heart attack?” I sarcastically smiled. He waved me off.

“It’s been, like, an hour,” Nancy replied.

“Tell me about it,” Steve pulled her in for a deep, almost inappropriately affectionate kiss.

I turned around, ready to make a joke to Jonathan, but was met with empty space. Looking down the hall, I could see his silhouette moving fast. With Steve and Nancy occupied, I slipped away.

Balancing both friendships was tricky. Nancy, Steve and I could be around each other no problem, so could Jonathan and I. But there were all these invisible lines that couldn’t be crossed. I didn’t mention Jonathan much to Nancy or else she got quiet, and bringing Nancy up to Jonathan was just mean. In a perfect world, I could have all the people I cared about together, but there was too much history for it to be that simple.

I slipped my arm around Jonathan’s shoulder, saying more with silence than I could with my words.

As we walked through the parking lot, a car I didn’t recognize was parked close by Jonathan’s. Glancing through the open window, a long haired blonde guy was sitting in the driver’s seat. He was the kind of handsome that every girl but me seemed to find attractive. With a cigarette perched between his lips, he angled his head to examine me. There was something about him that set off every alarm in my body, like smoke before a fire. It didn’t help that he was running his eyes up and down my body. I felt exposed.

Nervously, I averted my gaze and got into Jonathan’s car.

—————————

I had a few minutes after lunch and decided to walk to the middle school. At least once a week, I checked in on Lucas, Dustin, Will and Mike. I felt a protectiveness over them that had only grown over the last year.

When I got up to the schoolyard, the four of them huddled around a trash can. Dustin was wrist deep in garbage, hanging out of the can.

“Hey,” I hesitated as I approached, there was a general chorus of my greetings. “What’s, uh, what’s going on?”

Lucas shrugged a little too casually, “Nothing.”

“Christine!” Dustin was still dangling, “Got it! There we go!”

He pulled himself out of the can, unrolled a ball of paper and the four of them read it aloud.

‘Stop spying on me CREEPS!’

“Well, shit,” Dustin exclaimed,

I picked up the paper and read it, “Do I want to know?”

“It’s, uh,” Dustin struggled, “It’s complicated.”

“Uh-huh,” I raised a brow. For as much as they told me, there was a lot they didn’t.

“William Byers,” we turned to see the principal coming around the corner, “Your mother’s here.”

Will swallowed and looked to us. There was a silent understanding of what was going on. Will attended therapy sessions to deal with the trauma of his ordeal last year. Joyce would pull him out of school on those days to take him the office. It was all going well and he was learning to cope with it all.

That was the version everybody else got.

Those of us who knew Will knew he was being accompanied by Joyce and Hopper to Hawkins Lab to undergo a series of tests. The doctors now inhabiting the place wanted to try and understand what Will had gone through in the Upside Down. The first time Hopper had told me about them, I freaked out. Will couldn’t be anywhere near there. Hopper had reassured me that with Brenner gone, this was an actual research team who wanted to try and help Will. Nevertheless, I’d never been onboard with it.

I smiled at Will, trying to appear encouraging. He’d begun to confide in me about feeling like an outsider. He’d also told me he hated the tests. I tried to be as there for him as I could without triggering my own memories.

I followed the boys around the side of the building. They paused at the front corner to watch Will and Joyce leave.

“You guys think he’s okay?” Dustin asked.

“He’s always weird when he has to go in,” Lucas answered.

“I don’t know,” Mike said, “He’s quiet today.”

“He’s always quiet,” Lucas turned to me, “Has he talked to you?”

I shook my head, “No more so than usual.”

Once their car had pulled away, I looked at my watch. Five minutes to make it back to class.

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, okay?” I offered.

“It’d be a lot easier if Hopper bought you a Supercom,” Dustin dug into the syllables, “Or let anyone into your house.”

Hopper wasn’t the problem. Having any form of communication with the boys would be too tempting for El to resist and naturally, nobody could know where I lived. It was easier to let them think Hopper was just cheap and grouchy.

“Feel free to talk to him about it,” I replied.

Dustin debated internally, deciding going up against Hopper wasn’t worth it. “We’ll call you.”

I smiled before looking to Mike. Out of all of them, I knew him the best purely because I was at his house all the time. Lately, he’d been more reserved. “You good?”

He nodded, somewhere between glum and faking fine. “Yeah.”

“Okay,” I was forced to accept the answer. I now had four and a half minutes. “See you guys.”

“See you,” they all said, heading their own way back to school.

Once I was sat in English class, I felt a sense of dread building in my belly. The same one that had been there for weeks. It was only getting stronger as the days went by.

——————

Before knocking on the cabin door, I made sure the flier for Tina’s party was pushed to the bottom of my backpack. If Hopper saw it, he’d want me to go. I felt I owed it to El to stay in witn her on a day I knew she desperately wanted to be a part of.

I gave the secret knock and the door unlocked, “I’m home!”

El rose from her seat on the couch, leaving her seemingly unbreakable bond with the TV.

“How was your day?” I asked as I gave her a hug.

“Good,” she answered and looked up, “Your day?”

“Good,” I sighed. Her eyes drifted to my backpack. “I checked out a new one for us to read,” I pulled it out, “Little Women. It’s all about sisters.”

El weighed it in her hands and examined the cover. Hopper typically read to her at night but on weekends, the two of us would huddle on the couch with something from the school library.

“Cool,” she nodded and headed back to the TV.

“Hopper’s not back yet?” I went to the kitchen and grabbed a glass.

“No,” she answered.

Hopper and I made a point of not being late to get home. El depended on our routine more rigidly than we did. It was a rare occurrence he wasn’t on time.

“Something must’ve come up,” I filled the glass with tap water, coming over to the couch and flopping down next to El.

She looked across the cushions to me, “Mike?”

My visits to Hawkins Middle School were two-fold. I wanted to check on the boys, but I was also reporting back to El. She wanted to know they were okay, especially Mike.

“I saw him,” I nodded, “He’s fine.”

“Good?”

“Yeah,” I fibbed, “He’s good.”

That was enough for her. She turned back to the TV and watched the infomercial playing. With a closer look, I could see her eyes were glazed over.

“You’ll see him soon,” I reassured, “I promise.”

When I’d started that promise, she’d been wide eyed. Dreaming of reuniting with her friends. Sometime during summer, her responses had gotten tired. Lately, she had barely been acknowledging what I said. ‘Soon’ was starting to lose all meaning.

————

Unlucky Taglist: @lanadelray1989

[carinacassiopeiae]

STEVE HARRINGTON X READER FIC IDEAS

these are actually some of my fic ideas for steve harrington x reader and joe keery x reader and i would absolutely love it if you wonderful authors would give them a go. it's not specified because i did not want to seem redundant, but all of the fic ideas are sprinkled with lots of angst - well, those that can be written with angst that is.

just please tag me on everything that you write (and even if they aren't the fic ideas here but you write for steve, then please still tag me. i'd love to read and support your work! 💖)

1. soulmate au fic where it's steve finding out first about it. can be about feeling each other's pain, initials, same tattoo, etc. childhood friends to strangers to friends to lovers trope. she fell first but he fell harder that sort of thing.

2. soulmate au fic (yup, another one! :>) i've seen an idea about the first sentence they're going to say to you is written on you. maybe it will turn into gold when it's said to you with a tingling feeling so you know he's your soulmate. and as steve works at family video, for reader, it's a spoiler of a movie line about a character dying maybe, but she doesn't know that, so she says that that's what the death or dying part in her line said.

3. reader receives gifts or poems or little trinkets with the sender giving hints about his identity and feelings. the thing is, they're from steve - who is reader's best friend. she asks for his help to find out who this mystery sender is and he agrees. but what if there's like a mistaken identity and she thinks they're from billy (and like who isn't attracted to bad guys and stuff) and steve just goes all pouty (loljk i dunno but something along those lines)

4. king steve era where he makes reader fall in love with him as a dare and she finds out about it breaking her trust and all that. but like i also kinda want it to happen when steve knows about the upside down already and reader will be in danger (near death for more angst haha)

5. during his king steve era, he bullied reader and now, they're the babysitters of the kids. he regrets what he's done and tries to show her he's changed and all, but of course reader isn't buying any of it

6. what if what happened to max happened to reader and steve just feels helpless and afraid of losing reader

7. reader feels like steve has lingering feelings for nancy when she feels like he's putting or choosing nancy over her

8. reader confesses to steve, but he says he doesn't like her. then reader's all 'okay fine, i'm gonna move on' and when she actually does that, steve is 🥺

9. just steve being all jealous pls i wanna read that 😭

10. reader trying to bottle up her feelings about steve; and she's so good that no one knows. so even if she's hurting when steve flirts with other girls, she doesn't let it show. but like i dunno how it will work that the endgame is still steve x reader

11. reader just moved in hawkins so maybe a relative or something because she gets tangled up in the upside down. her relationship with steve is enemies to friends (begrudgingly) to lovers so like slowburn

12. steve teaching reader how to swim, bike and she's all scared and wraps herself all over steve

13. it's a joe keery x reader (i know, i know). but like reader is introduced in a new season and her relationship with steve is enemies to lovers. so like i dunno if it's interview style of fic where they're breaking that down (bonus with cast members teasing the two of them)

14. in connection with number 12 (as i love behind the scenes fics as well), maybe reader's character dies so what was their reaction to the scene and all that - a break down again if you will

[sheerfreesia007]

Fluffmas #5

Title: Fluffmas #5

Fandom: Stranger Things

Pairing: Steve Harrington x OFC!

Author: @sheerfreesia007​

Prompt: Send Christmas Cards

Words: 1,027

Warnings: None

Permanent Tag List: @paintballkid711, @fioccodineveautunnale, @phoenixhalliwell, @linkpk88, @weirdowithnobeardo, @athalien

Gif Credit: @keerysupremacy

Snowflakes swirled and floated in the air as Steve put the car in park before turning in his seat and glaring at the group of preteens in the back of his car. Robin huffed softly as her lips quirked up in a soft smirk as she waited for Steve to address the kids and why they were all here. The kids all looked at Steve with varying degrees of disgust and skepticism written on their faces.

“Listen up dipshits. We’re here to help with Christmas cards. It’s a tradition that she does every year and this year we’re going to help her so that it doesn’t take her hours to get them done.” Steve directed in a tone of voice that had them all biting their lips with mirth. Steve tried so hard to keep the kids on the right path and felt that it was his job to make sure that grew up right but after a year and half now of being their babysitter he was exhausted. He figured if having kids was anything like this he would be a pro, a tired pro but a pro nonetheless.

“Sure thing Dad.” Max responded causing the rest of the kids to all giggle and chuckle while Steve rolled his eyes at them. Steve lifted his index finger and pointed at Max who widened her eyes comically as she grinned at him.

“Zip the lip.” Steve scolded her and she chuckled softly at him before shaking her head.

“You just don’t want her doing the cards for hours so you can spend time with her.” Dustin grumbled out and Steve whipped his head to glare at him.

“And what if I do Henderson? Is that a crime?” Steve asked sarcastically and Robin bit her lip to keep from laughing at her best friend. “Now let’s go.” Steve said with finality as he climbed out of the car. Robin and the kids all piled out of the car and began following Steve up your front sidewalk to the front door in a solemn single file. When they got to the door Steve easily rang the doorbell and they all waited for you to come answer the door.

“Hey guys? What’s up?” you asked with a confused look on your face after you opened the front door to find them all standing on your stoop. Robin grinned at you before rushing forward and enveloping you in a tight hug that you eagerly returned.

“Steve has brought reinforcements for Christmas cards!” Robin said cheerily before she sidestepped you and walked into your house.

“What?” you asked bewildered as your face turned to follow her entrance before turning back to Steve and the kids. The kids quickly slipped into the house as you stood there bewildered by this new information and looked at Steve with sparkling wide eyes.

“I just wanted to lend some help to you. I know you love sending out Christmas cards and it normally takes you forever to do them so I figured a little bit of help would make it go by quicker.” Steve explained softly as he stepped closer to you, his hands resting on your hips gently as he tilted his head down towards you.

“You just wanted to spend time with me don’t you?” you asked him knowingly and Steve sighed as he nodded his head solemnly.

“Is that such a bad thing?!” he asked incredulously and you chuckled softly as your hand came up to cup his cheek.

“Not at all. I appreciate the help.” you answered him softly before leaning up on tiptoe to kiss him softly.

“C’mon guys! Let’s get this going!” called Dustin from inside the house and Steve sighed softly as you chuckled.

“He totally called me out too. Knew the exact reason for this mission.” Steve told you and you grinned widely at the news.

“Because he knows you so well.” you answered as you led Steve into the house. The kids were all sitting around the coffee table that you had been using to write out the Christmas cards. The coffee table was littered with envelopes, cards, stamps, Christmas stickers and tape. “Alright so most of the cards are already filled out. We just need to address the envelopes, put the cards in, put stamps and stickers on them and then seal the envelopes. Who’s got the best handwriting?” you instruct them all and Robin raises her hand causing you to nod your head before grabbing the stack of envelopes and handing them to her. “I’m going to need you to address the envelopes for me. This is my address book, I’ll hand you the cards and let you know who it’s going to.” you tell her as she nods her head at you. “Wheeler, you're on stamp duty. Dustin’s on putting the cards in the envelopes. Max you’ve got sticker duty and Lucas you’ve got tape duty.” you tell them all and soon they’re all settled in their spots as you move to go sit next to Robin to finish up the cards.

“And what about me?” Steve asks eagerly as he stops you from getting to the couch. You smile as you look up at him before cupping his cheek once more.

“You’re on pizza duty Steve. I need you to order three large pizza pies for everyone. Then I need you to find a Christmas movie on the TV for all of us to enjoy.” you tell him sweetly and he smiles down at you happily before nudging his cheek into your palm.

“I’m on it.” he said softly only to be interrupted by loud obnoxious gagging noises from the kids that made you laugh.

“Thanks Steve.” you said happily before pressing a kiss to his lips which made the kids gag even louder. When you finally did settle down in your spot and got to work you felt a warmth fill you as everyone quickly helped you get all of your Christmas cards ready to be sent out through the mail. You smiled happily to yourself as you felt that warmth consume you and fill you with joy for the holiday season.

[august-grey]

I don't need your closure | chapter 13

read on ao3

masterpost

July 1986

This was it. This was how Alice was going to die. Not at the hands of evil Russians miles below a shopping mall or torn to shreds by one of the multitude of monsters that plagued her little town. No, she was going to go out in the passenger seat of he mother’s Volvo, knuckles white around the handle on the door, foot punched down the invisible brake pedal. 

Fighting the urge to squeeze her eyes shut, Alice contemplated the choices that led her to this moment. How had she gone from taking Dustin to an orthodontist appointment to fearing for her mortal wellbeing in a mostly empty strip-mall parking lot with her 15-year-old brother behind the wheel of their mother’s car? 

Alice looked over at the boy in question, his eyes wide and laser-focused on the pavement, and reminded herself why she was doing this. 

“So, I’m taking driver’s ed next year.” Dustin piped up from the passenger seat, his lisp a little more pronounced after getting his braces tightened.

“Oh yeah?” Dustin gave a grunt of affirmation. “Mr. Paulson still teaching that?”

“Uh-huh, I heard he’s brutal.” Alice nodded emphatically. That was putting it lightly. Dustin continued, “Lots of kids…they’re getting practice over the summer…just to get a head start, y’know? Mike’s and Lucas’ dads have taken them out a bunch. Mike’s even been on a real road already.”

“That’s not a bad idea, extra practice would definitely help. Paulson flunked me twice before I finally got my license. Just never really got a chance to practice after dad left and everything. Has mom taken…” She trailed off, a sudden realization dawning on her. No. Of course mom hadn’t had the time to take Dustin out to drive. Their mother barely had time to take care of herself let alone teach her anxious children to maneuver a vehicle.

Not for the first time, Alice found herself cursing her father. Don’t get her wrong, Alice was glad that her parents were divorced. Michael was a piece of shit who didn’t deserve anything her mother had to offer. She’d always known that her mother was too good for that sorry excuse of a human. Alice just wished he had found a scrap of humanity before abandoning his family, leaving them with nothing but a forwarding address and a promise to see his children at Christmas.

Alice hadn’t been surprised in the slightest when Christmas came and went without even a phone call, but Dustin…Dustin had been heartbroken. For months afterward he waited for their father to simply return. To change his mind, realize that he had made a mistake and come home to his family. The brief phone calls from Michael yielded empty promises of going for ice cream or baseball games, leaving Dustin disappointed again and again as plans fell through. 

Anger festered inside Alice, finally bubbling over one day as she sat with her little brother as he watched the sky darken out their front window, waiting for their father’s car to pull into the driveway for a belated birthday visit. Dustin’s thirteenth birthday had been three weeks prior, and the bastard still couldn’t be bothered to even give his son this small gift.

Down the hall, Alice heard her mother leave yet another message for her ex-husband. He wasn’t coming, Alice had a feeling from the beginning. Knowing this didn’t make the situation any easier. A small shake of their mother’s head when she returned to the living room was all it took for Dustin’s resolve to crumple. Running into his mother’s arms, he buried his face into her chest, shoulders heaving with silent sobs. 

Alice needed to hit something. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. She wasn’t going to let her father get away with hurting her brother like that. Not again. While the rest of her family was distracted, Alice smuggled her mom’s car keys out of her purse and drove the three hours to their father’s new bachelor pad, stopping only to grab a birthday card from a random drug store. 

Michael could only stare at his daughter, open-mouthed, as she shoved the card into his hands, demanding he sign it for Dustin. He did so, hastily shoving a few twenties in the envelope for good measure. Then he had the gall to ask Alice how she was doing. Ignoring his question completely, Alice simply told her father to either make a real effort to have a relationship with his son or to leave them the hell alone. 

She couldn’t remember the half-excuse he had spluttered out as she left him in the doorway, but she did remember crying the entire ride home. She remembered the look on Dustin’s face as she pressed the card into his hands and being grounded for a week for disappearing with her mother’s car for seven hours on a school night. She remembered being the one to step up in her father’s place. Taking Dustin to school and to extracurriculars, helping her mother with home repairs, picking up extra chores around the house. 

And now, she supposed, she was going to have to teach her father’s youngest how to drive.

***

“Okay, now slowly—“ Dustin slammed the brakes at the edge of the lot, jolting Alice forward in her seat. She took a calming breath before gently correcting him as he turned the wheel, taking the car down the row of shopfronts. “Try to ease into the stops, Dusty. Gently press the brake as you’re coming up to the—oh Jesus.”

“Sorry, sorry!” He exclaimed, shifting the direction of the car after coming a little too close to the curb. “This is awful, how do you do this every day without feeling like you’re going do murder someone with this death-machine?”

“You just have to…I don’t know…give it time and you kinda become one with the death-machine?” Her brother shot her a quick, bewildered glance. “Does that make sense? It gets easier with practice, I promise. Just…try to relax.”

“That’s not going to happen.” He groaned miserably, braking a little too hard again in the back corner of the lot. Fumbling around the console in a panic, he flipped on the turn signal, then the windshield wipers. “At this rate I’ll never be comfortable behind the wheel and I’ll never get my license and...and— Alice, how do I put this stupid thing in park?!”

“Calm down, you’re fine.” She reached over, moving the shifter into park and turning off the ignition. As soon as he was able to release the brake, Dustin threw himself from the Volvo. Alice rolled her eyes at his dramatics and exited the vehicle herself. “You’re not going to be amazing right away, Dustin. It’s going to take time. We’ll go out more once I get my car back and you’ll be a pro by the end of the summer. Paulson won’t know what hit him.”

Dustin didn’t look convinced. He leaned against the hood of the yellow Volvo and buried his face in his hands. Alice felt a little out of her depth; she was usually the one freaking out in every situation. Her brother was normally overly confident in nearly everything he did. He’d thrown himself into countless dangerous situations without a second thought; seeing him freak out over driving of all things was disconcerting to say the least. 

“Are you hungry? We can stop for burgers or something?” Food. If there was anything that could distract Alice from an anxiety spiral, it was a good, greasy meal. Surely that would work on her brother, too.

He shook his head glumly, looking forlornly across the parking lot. “Nah, my mouth is still sore from the orthodontist.”

Alice sighed. She didn’t like it, but she had one last idea that could bring up his mood, even just for the moment. 

“You wanna stop in RadioShack before heading home?” That got his attention. Shooting Alice a Cheshire grin, Dustin took off across the pavement toward the electronics store.

She trailed behind him, shouting, “You have twenty minutes! Any longer and you’re walking home!”

***

RadioShack had been a mistake. Sweat dripped down her neck as Alice glanced down at her watch; Dustin had been in the shop for nearly 45 minutes and she was slowly losing her mind. By the time she popped into the shop, Dustin had already been neck deep in whatever gadget he needed for his project of the week. 

Deciding she didn’t want to get roped into a one-sided conversation she couldn’t keep up with (she wasn’t feeling that generous), Alice picked up a small pack of batteries for her Walkman and left her brother muttering to himself over a display of tiny voice recorders. 

Five minutes. She’d give Dustin five more minutes and then she’d go in there and physically drag him out if she needed to. The midday sun emerged from behind a cloud, shining through the windshield and effectively blinding Alice. Make that two minutes.

“Alice?” Jumping at the sound of her name, Alice scanned the parking lot for a familiar face. The lot had become considerably more full than it was during Dustin’s impromptu driving lesson, but it didn’t take long to find the source of the voice before they flung themselves halfway through Alice’s open window, obscuring her vision with a mop of messy brown hair.

“Jesus, Robin, back up would ya?” Alice grasped her assailant by the shoulders and gently shoved her out of her personal bubble. Robin dropped to a crouch next to the car, so she was level with the open window, eyes wide and panicked.

“Thank god you’re here. Wait…why are you here? Y’know what nevermind, I’m in a crisis and I need you to talk me down.” 

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Reaching for the handle of door, Alice gave the seemingly innocuous plaza a once over, searching for anything out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous. Robin rested a hand on her arm, drawing Alice’s attention back to her.

“No, no. Nothing like that.” Robin took a deep breath, opened her mouth to speak again, and…stopped. Alice furrowed her brow and waited for the girl to speak. After a few long moments of silence, Alice gestured impatiently for Robin to continue. 

“I’ve been invited to a party.” She finally blurted out, expectantly looking to Alice for advice. 

“Okay.”

“By a girl.”

“Okay?”

“A specific girl.”

“…okay?”

“…a specific redheaded clarinetist with incredible taste in movies.”

“Oh! Oh my god, okay! When did this happen?”

“Just now, in the Rite-Aid tampon isle.” Robin stated miserably, popping up from her position by the door to pace the pavement. “So you see my problem, now!”

“Uh no, am I missing something?” Taking her chances with the angry July sun, Alice exited the blessed cover of the car as she watched her friend frantically pace the length of the adjacent parking space. “You like Vickie. This is good news, Robin!”

“No, Alice, this is an absolute nightmare!”  Robin stopped to run both of her hands through her hair, making her bangs stick up in perfectly odd angles to add to the slightly manic aura she was giving off. “Before this moment, Vickie had been purely a hypothetical. I could daydream all I want, but now, now…this is real life. She asked me to a party. And what’s going to happen, huh? I’m going to make a fool of myself and word vomit all over her and she’ll be horrified and I’ll be arrested for…for something. I’m sure I’ll deserve it at that point.”

Alice shook her head in disbelief. What was up with everyone today? First Dustin with his driving lesson, now Robin was having a complete meltdown on her watch. It was only a matter of time, she supposed, seeing as both Robin and Dusin had dealt with their fair share of Alice’s neuroticism. The least she could do was return the favor.

“Well, we can’t let that happen, can we? You’re not cut out for prison, no offence.” Alice stepped forward, reaching up to smooth Robin’s hair back to its normal state of messiness. Once she was satisfied, Alice settled her hands on the taller girl’s shoulders. “You just need backup, a wingman. We can make it a group thing. You, me, and Vickie.”

“That’s not a group, that’s you getting drunk and awkwardly chaperoning me like some sort of messed up, regency-era courting ritual, all while I desperately try not to make a fool of myself in front of a cute girl.” Robin mumbled through pursed lips. Though Robin wasn’t wrong, Alice didn’t exactly enjoy being reduced to nothing more than a bumbling overseer. As much as she wanted to help Robin, third-wheeling all night wasn’t necessarily Alice’s idea of a good time. 

She had an idea; whether it was a good one or not was the nagging question in the back of her mind. Briefly, Alice considered the last disastrous party she’s attended in Hawkins. It had been the precursor to what was possibly the worst night of her life, if you don’t take all of the the literal horrors and death she’d experienced over the past few years into account.

The night she was sure she’d lost her best friend. For good.

It’s different now, she reasoned with herself. She and Steve were on good terms; well on their way to friendship again. And though she didn’t yet have the full story of what had happened that night…or what had led to it, Alice could at least hope it wouldn’t happen again. There was only one way to find out, she supposed.

“I can, uh, askstevetogo.” Alice mumbled, half-heartedly tossing out the thought before she could stop herself. It wasn’t as if she was looking for an excuse to see him or anything, it just made sense. They are all friends. Friends go to parties together. As friends. “Then it’ll be a real group. Make things less weird, y’know?”

Robin’s eyebrows disappeared into her bangs as she shimmied out of Alice’s grip. “Oh, no, no. You can’t just say something like that and not elaborate. Did you and Steve make up?”

“Kinda? We’re…talking. It’s not a big deal.”  Robin seemed unimpressed, to say the least. Alice knew the girl wasn’t going to let her get away with that bullshit answer, and with a sigh, launched into an abridged version of what had happened with Sudsy. How she and Steve had ended up babysitting together, how Alice had emotionally blown up and confronted him, and then the subsequent, tentative makeup.

Obviously, making up with Steve was, in fact, a big deal to Alice. The past week had been the happiest she’d felt in months, and as much as she hated to admit it, that had a lot to do with Steve Harrington. True to his word, Steve hadn’t pressured Alice into anything since their conversation the previous weekend. To no one’s surprise, especially Alice’s, it took less than a day before she found herself eager to see him again. 

So, after harassing Dustin for Steve’s new phone number, she called him. He sounded pleased, but genuinely surprised to hear from her so soon. The palpable fondness in his voice combined with the itch to be within arms reach of him again, was how she found herself inviting Steve to take a walk with her. 

For safety purposes, of course. 

You see, Alice had a new client. A big, goofy Great Dane, who needed to be walked while her human worked overnights. Normally Alice wouldn’t think twice before declining the job; she and the dark didn’t really get along after everything she had been through. But this particular client had offered double her regular fee just to feed the dog dinner and take her on a quick walk before bed.

Alice couldn’t refuse the easy money, but that still left the problem of having to be outside. In the dark. Alone. She sucked it up the first night, walked the half-mile to the clients house, took the pup around the block while her nerves spiked, and finally ended up sprinting home after making sure the dog was safely in bed, the plan to call Steve already on her mind.  

As she predicted, he eagerly agreed to accompany her the next night. And then the next, and the next…until they fell into an easy, somewhat familiar, routine. Steve would pick her up at 8:30 on the dot, they’d take care of the dog, and then just sit and talk until Steve had to get himself to bed for work the next day. Sometimes Dustin would join them, if he wasn’t off galavanting with his Dungeons and Dragons club or messing with machines in his bedroom. But, mostly, it was just the two of them.

He followed her lead at every turn. Never pushing for anything more than what Alice was comfortable with giving, keeping a respectable distance. Alice, on the other hand, was having an incredibly hard time sticking to her own boundaries. Despite her reservations, Alice physically couldn’t keep herself away from Steve. It was like that night babysitting Holly had broke open a dam in Alice’s brain. 

Steve Harrington loved her. 

Just the thought alone was hard for Alice to wrap her mind around. Truthfully, she was scared. Hell, Alice was terrified. And still justifiably angry on top of it all. Months of convincing herself to turn her hurt into hate couldn’t be washed away so easily. No matter how badly she wanted to believe that Steve was truly repentant and wanted to make things right with her, Alice couldn’t shake the feeling that although everything between them was going well now didn’t necessarily mean it wouldn’t go to shit just as quickly. 

But in spite of it all, it was just so easy to fall back into an familiar rapor with her former best friend. It was a more than little unnerving how effortlessly Steve had fit back into her life and, even moreso, how badly she wanted him to stay there.

***

“So, yeah. We’re talking. That’s it.”

“Oh my god.”

“I know.”

“Steve’s in love with you.”

“Apparently.”

“You’re in love with Steve?”

“I…yeah. I guess am.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I have no idea.”

“Shit, Alice.”

Alice couldn’t agree more; shit.

***

Alice’s mother dropped her off at Robin’s house a full two hours early, at the younger girl’s request. Well…it sounded more like a panicked demand over the phone than a polite request, but Alice was willing to overlook that tiny detail. Either way, she was grateful for an excuse after Claudia had offered to drive the girls to the party itself. As much as she loved and appreciated her mom, that simply wouldn’t do.

“No, seriously, it’s okay, Mom!” Alice attempted to dissuade her mother. “It’s only a ten minute walk from Robin’s. You don’t want to drive all the way back out here in just to drive us less than a mile up the road.”

Reluctantly, Claudia agreed that the girls could take care of themselves, and left Alice and her overnight bag at Robin’s. She waited until her daughter was safely inside before waving and backing out of the driveway. 

In the time it took for Alice to arrive, Robin’s bedroom had descended into absolute chaos. Ninety percent of the time they had before the party was spent digging through the chaos that was Robin’s wardrobe, piecing together the perfectly casual, but not too casual because “then what if Vickie thinks I’m a slob! Don’t give me that look, you’re just as much a mess as I am,” outfit.

The other ten percent was taken up by relentless, teasing back-and-forth from both girls. It had started off with Alice clearly having the upperhand; gently mocking her friend as she tried on article after article of clothing. Alice was quite enjoying herself. That is, until it came time to talk to Steve about the party.

 In the end, it had been Robin who had called to recruit Steve as a secondary wingman and a ride home. It was stupid. The phone had been in Alice’s hand, she had dialed his number. His new number. The one for his fancy, independent, adult apartment. The first ring in her ear sent her stomach fluttering and her heart pounding, resulting in the phone being flung into a bewildered Robin’s hands.

Cooly recovering from Alice’s sudden panic, Robin had managed to convince Steve to meet them at the party. Alice hovered over her shoulder, ears straining to hear the other side of the conversation and chewing her pinky nail down to the nub. 

What was wrong with her? Alice chastised herself. She’d spoken to Steve on the phone quite literally hundreds of times. At least thrice that week alone. 

Inviting him to a party, though, somehow felt too much like she was back in middle school asking Matthew Miller to the Snowball, only to spend the night sulking on the bleachers after being stood up.

So, in true middle school fashion, it only made sense that she make her friend ask Steve, instead. Not that she thought Steve would stand her up. Because it wasn’t like this was a date or anything. This was merely a group outing with a couple of pals.

She’d never hear the end of it from Robin. 

***

The party itself was a docile thing, despite being packed with a couple dozen band nerds. The music was decent and the drinks were surprisingly good for a questionable concoction thrown together by a teenager. 

Robin zeroed in on Vickie the second they stepped through the door. When the redhead greeted both girls with a hug, Alice was impressed by how quickly Robin recovered from the close contact. 

As the night went on, much to Alice’s delight, it seemed that Robin’s initial apprehensions about the party were proving to be completely unnecessary. And though she was having a good time and was always glad to spend time with Robin, it really seemed like Alice’s presence was barely needed. 

It may have been the effervescent lighting on the dance floor or maybe the faint buzz of alcohol in her system, but Alice could swear Robin practically radiating confidence as she danced with the girls she had been pining over for months. Ever the dutiful friend, Alice swayed to the music with them, overthinking about what the correct amount of respectable distance would be. Not so close to the couple that she was invading their bubble, but not too far away to be unable to participate in conversation or miss any distress signals from Robin. 

Luckily for her, after some subtle comments from Robin, followed by a not-so-subtle elbow to the ribs, Alice finally took the hint and excused herself. She counted this as a victory in staying firmly in wingman territory. There would be no outdated chaperoning tonight. 

Not quite sure what to do with herself after leaving the one person in the house she actually felt comfortable spending time with, Alice wandered through the festivities, stopping to chit chat with old classmates every so often. She certainly wasn’t looking for Steve. Not really. Was she disappointed he wasn’t there yet? Maybe, but mostly Alice just felt overwhelmed without someone to anchor her. 

In the end she parked herself on a couch in the den, only returning to the party proper to replenish her drink. It was quieter in there, and much less crowded than the main living areas. There were a few people playing scrabble at a card table in the middle of the room as movie played softly in the corner, a couple boys sprawled out on a rug in front of the the television, watching intently. This was definitely more her speed tonight. 

Unfortunately, despite being a refuge from the chaos, this was also how Alice found herself three and a half drinks deep, getting her ear talked off by goddamn Matthew Miller. Yes, that Matthew Miller. She had cursed herself by thinking of him earlier. It seemed Matthew had conveniently forgotten his eighth grade indiscretions. Sadly for him, Alice was excellent at holding a grudge, even through the pleasant, fuzzy haze of drunkenness. 

“Anyway, you’d be surprised by the kind of stuff you could get away with in college. No one cares, Henderson, you could do whatever you want.” Matthew had his arm stretched across the back of the couch, fingers lingering dangerously close to Alice’s shoulder. She clenched her plastic cup in her hand and stared straight ahead, willing someone, anyone, to save her from this conversation. Where the hell was Robin when she needed her? “And the girls, man. They’re nothing like high school chicks; everyone is just so open minded, y’know?”

“Mmhm.”

“Most of the them are just there looking for husbands, anyway, so it’s easier. That’s what Trevor says, anyway. You remember Trevor, right? He was french horn in high school, but we were roommates last semester, too. Anyway, it’s true though. These girls are just looking for someone to settle down and have babies with.”

Okay, that was quite enough of that. Alice threw the rest of her drink back, grimaced and finally turned toward Matthew with a withering scowl, preparing to lay into his insufferable, sexist ideas about women as a whole.

“First of all, you misogynistic prick, that’s—oh! ” Alice’s speech was slightly slurred, but not enough to hide the venom behind her words. Words that were all too suddenly cut off by the aforementioned prick making a bee-line for Alice’s lips, his eyes closed and mouth horrifyingly open. She threw herself backward into the arm of the couch at the last second, simultaneously pushing Matthew back into the cushions opposite her. “Oh, no thank you!”

The boy was clearly taken aback, or at the very least, not used to being turned down. “Are you sure? I thought we were having a moment!”

“What part of... of that ‘conversation’” Alice emphasized the word with some sloppy air quotes. “Made you think we were having a moment?! I might be drunk, but I’m not, like, random, regrettable hookup drunk, Trevor.”

“Matthew.” The boy corrected her with a glare. With practiced ease, he shifted his face into cool disinterest before plucking Alice’s empty cup from her hand. “I’m going to get us a refill. Maybe you’ll be a little nicer when I get back.”

Frowning deeply at his retreating back, Alice knew this was her chance to make a hasty departure. She just needed to get up. Which was easy, so easy. Or at least it would have been two drinks ago. The liquor had settled into her limbs, weighing her down like sandbags. It was fine, though. She just needed to flag down Robin to pull her out of the quicksand-like cushions that were sucking her deeper and deeper into the couch with every passing minute.

But where was Robin? Alice squinted her eyes, trying to find a familiar face in the crowd through the open doorway, but failed to spot either of the girls she’d been with earlier. This was also fine, surely someone had to know where they had disappeared off to. Triumph shot through Alice as she successfully caught the eye of a friendly face. She beaconed the familiar, fluffy-haired girl over.

“Kate. Kate listen, where is Robin?” 

“Hey Alice, you good?” Kate smiled down at her, amusement glinting in her eyes, before helpfully taking a quick look around the room. “I don’t really know, I’m sorry. I think she and Vickie were in the kitchen earlier, do you want me to go check?”

“You’re an angel, Kate, truly. A tumpeteer from the heavens.” The words tumbled from Alice’s mouth without filter. The lack of control should have mortified Alice, but she was well past the point of actually caring. Kate just chuckled, patted Alice on the head like a puppy, and made for the kitchen. 

No sooner did Alice’s ally disappear through one doorway, did her adversary emerge through another, a fresh plastic cup clutched in each hand. 

Shit. The time for games was over. Gathering every speck of willpower she possessed, Alice pushed herself up from the cavernous couch. Bad idea. Awful idea. She clutched the arm of the couch as the room moved around her, swaying and spinning like a carnival ride. Her stomach churned slightly. Don’t puke, don’t puke, don’t puke.

A hand appeared on her arm, steadying her. Instinctively, she swatted it away. Unfortunately, the sudden movement tipped Alice off balance just enough to send her falling back into the accursed couch. She glared up at her assailant, ready to lay into Matthew about touching her without consent. Oh. Not Matthew, then.

Steve, her knight in shining polo, loomed over her with bemusement etched into his features. A flash of annoyance coursed through her; where had he been an hour ago, before her night had started to go downhill? However, the feeling was quickly overshadowed by dread when she caught Matthew’s garish, caution-sign yellow t-shirt from the corner of her eye.

“Listen, I’m sorry I’m late, but you’re not going to believe the breakthrough I’ve had with Gladys—“

“Sit down,” she whispered to Steve, cutting him off as Matthew drew ever closer. Without a second thought, Steve slid into the seat next to Alice, side-eyeing the approaching figure. Alice clutched his arm, pulling him close like a human shield, as if she could camouflage herself with Steve’s considerably larger stature. “Pretend you’re talking to me.”

“Pretend to—we were talking, Alice. Until you rudely interrupted me.” Alice laughed loudly, tossing her head in the direction of where Matthew awkwardly hovered nearby, his shins bumping on the corner of the crowded coffee table. Steve snuck a peek, taking in the boy fumbling with the red cups in his hands, and nodded to signify he understood the situation. 

“Ah, I see. Okay, what angle are we going with here? The usual?” 

“Nuh uh, our moms work together. Dead grandma isn’t going to work.”

“What about my dead grandma?”

“Maybe. Can you even pull that off?”

“You underestimate me, Henderson.” Alice bit back a smirk as Steve took the challenge to heart. Without any sort of preamble he turned and pressed his forehead into her shoulder. Sliding his hand into hers, he gripped her fingers tightly and put in his best effort into looking the part of a grief-stricken man.

Alice froze.

For the first time, Alice was thankful for the alcohol that dulled her senses. Her heart fluttered as she tried not to think about the way his breath felt on her neck as he buried his face into her shoulder. Or the way the hard plane of his torso pressed into her own, or how it nearly took her breath away. 

Alice took a second to compose herself. You’re a goddamn professional, she scolded herself. This was a tried and true act, one that she and Steve had played out at least half a dozen times before to get out many an awkward encounter, though it was usually her amping up the dramatics. The proximity meant nothing, and Alice had better remember that. After all, it wasn’t as if they’d never been that close before. Closer, she recalled, heat pooling in her stomach. 

It had just been so long. 

But she could think about that later. Instead of lingering on feeling the heat of his skin on her body, she focused on the performance at hand. 

“What’s wrong with him?” Matthew finally piped up after what felt like an eternity of fake-comforting Steve as he fake-cried into the light cardigan she’d thrown over her tank top earlier in the evening. Alice glowered at him incredulously as she rubbed a comforting hand up and down Steves back. He was good, maybe too good. A wicked thought crossed her mind. Lets see how well he could do with this one.

“Shh, his guinea pig just died.” She hissed. Steve stiffened a bit, thrown off by Alice’s plot twist. She bit the inside of her cheek, keeping cool. “Show a little respect, Miller.”

“Damn, Harrington, I’m sorry man. Here,” Matthew deposited both cups of god-knows-what concoction, on the table before them.  “Have a drink for…for—“

“Henrietta.” Alice supplied, helpfully. 

“For Henrietta.” Matthew nodded and clapped Steve on the shoulder before hurrying away as quickly as his feet could take him. Once he was safely out of sight, Alice couldn’t hold back the peals of laughter. Steve took the moment to collect himself, smoothing back his hair and wiping the non-existent tears from his face. 

“Guinea pig?” Steve spluttered, shaking his head in disbelief. 

She shrugged helplessly. “You were so convincing, though, Steve! Why didn’t you ever try out for the school plays? We never had enough boys, they would have eaten you up.”

“Just another one of my many unrealized talents. Come on, lets go find the lovebirds. They’re around here somewhere.” He chuckled, rising from his seat. Offering a hand to Alice, he pulled her up with minimal effort. She felt steady enough on her feet to follow him through the house, but not before swiping her drink from the coffee table. 

 ***

“And then! After giving me all this bullshit about how these college girls are all so eager to throw themselves at him, he decides its a perfect time to go for it. Mouth. Wide. Open.”

“Please, tell me you’re kidding.” Robin and Vickie sat shoulder-to-shoulder on one of the few lounge chairs scattered across the backyard, twin expressions of disgust etched across their faces. Alice was sprawled across the foot of a shared lounge chair herself. Steve had somehow managed to fold himself onto a tight ball of limbs on the other half, leaving plenty of room for Alice to gesticulate wildly as she recounted every gory detail of her run-in with Matthew.

“I swear he like, unhinged his jaw or something.” Alice cackled, shifting her body to lean more of her weight onto Steve’s bent legs. At this point, she was sure he was the only thing keeping her upright. To his credit, he merely shifted to accommodate her, untangling himself slightly so that he could sprawl his legs out on either side of her. Alice took the opportunity to claim space of her own, scooting back to nestle her shoulder against his chest, while keeping her body angled to carry on her conversation. 

Sober Alice would have never, not in a million years. But drunk Alice was an entirely different story. She reveled in the easy way Steve slipped an arm around her waist, hooking his thumb through the belt loop on her hip. The action didn’t go unnoticed to the girl across from her, either. Robin caught Alice’s eye and gave a wink. Alice tried, and failed, to hide a grin. 

“Anyway, then Steve finally showed up, but Henrietta died and he started crying, which we all know is the ultimate boy repellent, so s’all good now.” 

“Wait, who’s Henrietta?” Vickie piped up, looking concerned by the mention of someone dying. 

“Steve’s guinea pig.” Alice yawned behind her hand, before resting her head on her folded knees. “But don’t worry, I’m not even a hundred percent sure she even existed.”

“She definitely never existed, you nerd.” Steve’s chest rumbled as he spoke, chuckling softly. 

The conversation drifted to movies and Alice’s altered state-of-mind had a hard time keeping up with titles and actors. Despite her lack of ability to make a mental contribution, Alice was overjoyed to see Robin so open and totally herself around Vickie. If anyone deserved to be in a happy relationship, it was Robin. Alice knew she couldn’t come close to understanding the nuances of being in Robin’s shoes, but she certainly knew the sting of unrequited love. 

Though, she supposed, her’s wasn’t really unrequited, now was it? Did it still count as unrequited if the feelings had actually been requited all along, but the other party had chosen to be an ass about them for the better part of a year instead of talking about said feelings? Either way, Alice felt a strong kinship with Robin in the whole romance department. 

Head swimming, Alice decided that last drink had been a bad idea. To her credit, she’d only drank half of it before a moment of clarity had her switching to bottled water, but it was enough to push her just a bit too far over her usual limit. Enough to completely disregard any and all inhibitions, but also, as it turned out, enough to make her very, very sleepy. 

The fourth time Alice’s head slipped from it’s perch, Steve let out a heavy sigh, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tighter into himself. Alice gave up trying to keep herself up and settled fully against his chest, letting her eyes drift shut. 

Everything about this was against Alice’s better judgement, and yet she couldn’t shake the feeling of how right it felt. The buttons of his shirt digging into her cheek, how his breath ruffled her hair as he dipped his head to whisper in her ear.

“Maybe it’s time to get you home, huh?” Alice’s eyes snapped open and forced herself upright. Absolutely not; there was no way she was about to cut Robin’s night short because she got a little too drunk and couldn’t keep her eyes open. 

“Nope, can’t go home.” She mumbled sleepily, pulling the front of her cardigan to wrap around her body a bit tighter to ward off the chilly night air.

“…why not?”

“Two reasons Stephen,” Alice held up a lazy finger, ticking off the first. “Number one; look at Robin.”

Steve grumbled but did as he was told, fixing his gaze on Robin, who was now visibly uncomfortable with the sudden attention Alice brought to her.

“When was the last time you saw Robin have a good time at a party?”

“I have tons of fun at parties all the time, Alice!” Robin protested from her chair. 

“Exactly. I’m not going to make her leave a nice time just so she could lay in bed listening to me snore all night.”

“I can take Robin home later.” Vickie nervously interjected, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. “If that’s what you want, I mean. No pressure, it’s just…I’m having a nice time too.”

Robin visibly lit up at the prospect of actual Alone Time with her long-term crush. She nodded enthusiastically, a blush creeping up her neck. Alice flashed her what she hoped was a subtle thumbs up, which in hindsight was maybe a bit too subtle even for its intended recipient. Embarrassed, she tucked her hand back into her sweater.

“Oh, perfect. That problem was solved…quickly. Anyway, third of—“

“Second?”

“Second of all…I can’t go home drunk. My mom will cry and it’ll lead Dustin down a…a dark path of drugs and alcohol. You guys know the kid, there very impressionable at that age.” 

“That doesn’t seem likely.”

“You don’t know that. I just…I don’t like them seeing me like this. So I can…I’ll sleep it off on this lawn chair, I guess. If you don’t mind scooting…” She leaned forward as far as she could, giving Steve a chance to get up. He swung his long legs over the side of the lounge and hesitated, a brief flash of inner conflict crossed his face as he considered something.

“Or…”

“Or?”

“Or I can take you back to my place and you can sober up there.”

Alice clapped a hand over her speeding heart, face heating to what was sure sure to be a low-grade fever. What was this kid playing at? 

“Mr. Harrington, I think we’ve established I’m not that kind of girl!” She managed to choke out after her pulse calmed. 

“Jesus Christ, Alice, not like that!” He spluttered, taking a few steps back as though to put some distance between himself and Alice. Robin dissolved into a fit of mad laughter, completely ignoring the icy glare Steve shot in her direction. He placed his hands on his hips, looking absolutely exasperated by both girls. “I just figured my couch would be a hell of a lot more comfortable than a hard plastic chair, but if that’s what you’d prefer then by all means—“

“No, no! That’s…that’s actually super nice of you, Steve.” Alice tried to recover, feeling a small pang of guilt through the alcohol. She had misunderstood, of course Steve was just trying to help. That’s just what they did; they took care of each other. 

“Listen, don’t feel obligated or anything, it was just a suggestion. I can just as easily let you sleep right here, or take you to Robin’s, or to back to your house to corrupt Dustin. Just wanted you to have options, is all.” Steve rambled as Alice leant over to fish her purse from underneath the lounge. Stumbling clumsily to her feet, she looped her arm around Steve’s to regain some balance.

“Do you have snacks?”

“Ok, I’ve changed my mind. You’re not allowed in my home.” 

“Can we stop somewhere to get snacks?”

“Will you behave yourself if I say yes?”

“I can’t make any promises.”

[hoppers-babygirl]

Beat his ass

Author: Hoppers-babygirl

ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/hoppers_babygirl

Word count: 2316

There was still an awkward distance between Cassie and Steve but that didn’t stop her from riding along with Steve, Dustin and a couple of his friends. Everyone knew she had been seeing Billy once Steve and Nancy got together but no one ever quite spoke about it out loud. That was until Cassie asked Steve to drive her over to his house. Things had been uneasy between the unlikely couple but Cassie tried her best not to let it show. It had been two weeks since Billy last spoke to her, she was sick and tired of his silence so she took matters into her own hands. 

Steve stayed silent as he drove towards Billy’s house, his knee bounced anxiously on his free leg. It struck up a bit of anxiety in Cassie but she took a few deep breaths. After Steve dumped her for Nancy; Cassie and Billy started seeing one another, even though they were an unlikely couple, the pair enjoyed one another’s company. They dated six months before this air grew tense between them. Cassie never thought he would act this way toward her but she was wrong in the end. She assumed Billy heard that Nancy broke things off with Steve, maybe thinking that he would try to swoop in and take Cassie away from him but that wasn’t the case. 

The matter of the fact is that Cassie grew sick, some days worse than before. She assumed it was just a simple cold, nothing more than the flu. Only she was wrong, after taking a test the liquid in the tube turned blue. Her stomach knotted up at the sight, causing her to fall to her knees in front of the porcelain bowl as she grew sick. 

Eventually Steve pulled up to the all too familiar blue house, except he was pulled off on the side of the road, across from the house. Snapping from her thoughts she looked over, her brows pinched together. 

Steve spoke up. “I know you just wanted a ride but I don’t trust the guy. I’ll stay here for ten minutes and if you don’t come out then I’ll leave. Just for my sanity, okay?” He offered her a small smile. 

She took a shaky deep breath and nodded before slapping a fake smile on her lips. No one except Jonathan knew what was actually going on with Cass, which she was thankful for as she knew she could trust him with her life. Even now she felt guilty asking for this from Steve especially while her little brother rode shotgun but she had bigger worries to deal with right now and that’s what she was focused on. Taking another deep breath she actually opened the door and stepped out the car, her legs felt like jello but she couldn’t stop her movement. It was like she wasn’t even in control of her body as she walked up the little stairs and up to the door. 

Cassie knew Max was home as she could see her bike still outside. It helped her feel a little at ease but soon her knuckles rapped at the door. Moments later Billy opened the door, his usual smirk not prominent on his lips as he took in the sight before him. Steve's car in the distance, Cassie in front of him wringing her hands and the dark circles under her eyes. He snorted and walked back down to his room to which Cassie followed behind him. “Hello to you too, Billy. Do you know that I’ve tried calling you for the past two weeks only to have Max lie to me? Because I know it's a goddamn lie.” She started in on him soon after closing the front door. 

He began to puff on a cigarette and opened his bedroom door. “Listen little bird, it's over. Whatever you thought we had going on is over, you’re a waste of my time.” Cassie scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “You think?” She sassed back. He turned and blew the smoke in her face, making her turn away and let out a quiet cough. “I didn’t fucking invite you here. You showed up, princess.” His voice dripped with venom but when the smoke cleared Cassie could see the mark crossing his cheekbone but with his attitude he wasn’t going to talk about it. “Yeah well maybe if you knew how to pick up the phone then I wouldn’t have had to come here and tell you.” Her voice began to hush. “Tell me what? That you’re not gonna be my whore of the week anymore?” He replied as he began to slip a shirt on. 

She shook her head, “I guess you just forgot the past six months then huh? That surely doesn’t add up to a week.” She replied just as harshly. Billy huffed out a breath almost like an annoyed bull would. “Get to your point or get the fuck out.” His voice had risen. Cassie assumed he and his father had a fight which only added to his annoyed attitude. “Look this isn’t the easiest to fucking say, okay?!” She raised her voice to match his. Anger and hurt welling up in her chest. Max must’ve heard their yelling and slammed her door shut which on some level helped Cassie calm down. One less set of ears to share the news with right now. 

“I know we’ve been pretty careful about things but uhm… well it seems that we weren’t as careful as we thought. I’m pregnant Billy. I’m fucking pregnant and you’ve been ignoring me.” She finally let it out. Billy was the first and only person to know. Billy began to shake his head and pace his room. “I knew you were just like the rest. Just a stupid whore.” He muttered under his breath. Her heart fell to the floor. Sure she didn’t expect to be spun around in his arms and given a big kiss but to be called such harsh words as if this was her fault? 

“I don’t give a fuck, Princess. Tell whoever else you’ve fucked that it’s their problem because you’re not going to make it my problem.”  His teeth grit as he speaks. Tears formed in her eyes and her lip began to wobble. This caused Billy to laugh. “It isn’t a problem I made by myself. You know damn well that I’ve only been with you so there’s no need to try and deny that. Just because your father treats you like a piece of shit doesn’t-” Just like that she was on the ground on her ass. Cassie sat in shock on the floor for just a moment before the pain in her jaw really hit her. Her hands shook as she stood up on jelly like legs, one hand protecting her stomach. “Fuck you Billy.” She spat at him before she turned and began to walk out the house, Billy hot on her ass, wiping his face from her spit. 

“You’re a stuck up little bitch. You opened your legs and got knocked up and now I’m supposed to care?!” He yelled as he followed after her, grabbing her wrist harshly. “Get the fuck off me!” Cassie screamed, tugging her wrist back to her body as tears now spilled down her cheeks freely. “I’m not the dumbass who bought cheap condoms!” She replied, still tugging her wrist from his grip which only tightened causing her to whimper. “Don’t think you’re getting a fucking thing from me. You laid on your back and took what I gave you.” He sneered. 

By now Max slipped out of her room and outside unbeknownst to Cassie and Billy. Finally she freed her arm from his grip causing her to stumble back and hit her hip into the table that was in the hallway. She yelped and began to move back to the front door. Only to tumble to which Billy used to his advantage, he pinned her hips down as he straddled her and grabbed both wrists to slam her down into the floor causing her to curse out. Her head rang, she hadn’t ever seen Billy act this way with her before but he figured that he wasn’t really fighting her but the things that angered him. She squirmed underneath him and tried to get out his hold but instead he was steadily screaming in her face, her head throbbed so badly that she wasn’t even sure what he was saying but she could hear the high pitched scream. Both Billy and Cassie looked up, Max stood in the front doorway screaming at the sight only to be replaced by Steve. 

There must’ve been blood as Cassie could see red streaks but they surprisingly hadn’t come from her head. Dustin helped her up with a devastated look on his sweet features. How the hell could he and Steve have known about the fight that was happening inside the house but she figured it was all due to Max’s scream.  

Meanwhile Max had gone out her window as Cassie and Billy had their scream fest. Max hadn’t realized that no one except Cassie and Billy knew about the baby. But everyone sat with a shocked expression. Steve gripped the steering wheel and questioned Max about what was going on inside but Cassie’s scream sounded through the house causing Max to run back to the house and the others to follow along. Upon opening the door and seeing Cassie on her back pinned under a screaming angry Billy, Max let out her screech alarming the rest of the group. Steve, Dustin and Lucas jumped from the car. 

Soon Steve had Billy by the shoulder pulling him off of Cassie. It was the first time Dustin had ever seen Cassie so scared, he ran over to her and helped her up off the ground. She looked sleepy but sad in a way. It scared Dustin to see his sister like this. Usually she was so sweet and funny, she had only ever seen her sad when they were younger. 

Cassie sat up and wiped her lip, it was split and she hadn’t even realized that the slap from earlier had caused her lip to split open. Dustin tugged her toward the kitchen to grab a rag to clean the blood. The house was loud as Billy and Steve wrestled together, Max yelling at BIlly to stop it and leave her friends alone and Lucas trying to calm her down. Cassie sighed and wiped her lip clean and gave Dustin a hug, her other cheek rested against his head. 

“I’m so sorry to have to see this bullshit.” She mumbled against his curls. 

“Why didn’t you tell me first?” He asked quietly. His question confused her at first but then the realization hit her. 

“Because he deserved to know. Or at least I thought he did.” She replied, his arms tightened around her as they hugged. 

“Come on, we gotta get Steve out of here before he and Billy get too fucked up.” She kissed his forehead and led him back out to where the guys were fighting. 

“Let's go Steve. It’s not even worth it. I just want to go home.” Steve shoved Billy away and threatened him which caused the other man to laugh. Max was in tears as Lucas ushered her out the door to which Cassie did the same with Dustin. 

Now stood Steve, Billy and Cassie. She sighed, “I’m sorry I ever met you and I’m glad our child never will.” Her lip quivered but she turned and walked out the door, Steve trailing behind her after a few moments. 

His hand on her back caused her to jump. “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay? Is the- is everything okay?” He asked shyly. Great so everyone knew, Max must’ve heard their fight. 

“I’ll be fine. Thank you for stepping in, if you hadn’t then who knows what could’ve happened. But I’ll probably make up some lies and go to the doctors just to make sure.” She shrugged and gently tapped her lip to check and make sure the blood stopped. 

“You know, if you ever need anything, I’ll be there to help you. It’s the least I can do.” He gave her a small smile to which she returned. 

“Thanks Steve, I’m sure I’ll need all the help I can get.” He pulled her into a careful hug. A much needed hug. 

Eventually Steve took Cassie and Dustin home, but when Cassie climbed out the car Max followed. Lucas shrugged at Steve but he waited for the redhead. 

“Hey Cassie… I know you’re never going to go around Billy anymore and I’m not really related to you like Dustin is but..” The young girl trailed off. 

Cassie smiled and nodded. “You’re gonna be the best aunt ever, Max.” Cassie finished the girl's sentence which caused her to smile. She gave Cassie a quick hug and ran back to the car and got back in with Lucas before they drove off. Cassie went inside and cleaned up, making lunch for herself and for Dustin. Afterwards the siblings sat and talked and even watched a bit of television to try and make the day feel any bit normal. 

A few weeks later Cassie went to the doctors, thankful her tussle with Billy hadn’t affected anything seriously. She would have a little scar on her lip but she didn’t care much about that. She was just glad to hear that her little boy was doing just fine. Even after getting bumped and shook around she was beyond relieved to hear everything was doing good. Even if she was doing it on her own. But she wasn’t really alone was she? No. She had a family that she was lucky enough to have as her support. 

[allyricas]

Broken pt. 5

So we have some confessions, some plans and a little bit of making up. Who could really stay mad at Eddie forever anways?

[jeffgoldblumsmulletinthe90s]

Fic: Literal Legend

So @lurkinmerkin wrote this fantastic Stranger Things fic that you should absolutely read right now if you enjoy things like “Eddie Munson,” “fun,” and “reading about pussy eating.” It’s called Cuff It, like the Beyoncé song.

I was like, “Wow, this is amazing! I would love a fic like this about Steve Harrington eating a bunch of girls’ pussies.” And then Merkin gave me the OK, so I did write that fic.

It’s Literal Legend, like the Ayesha Erotica song. (Because Cuff It reminded me of lyrics “Here’s twenty dollars ... you know what? keep the change”)

[allthesespoonsareknives]

this is what im looking like on day 23 of camp nanowrimo. Feeling pretty good about it. I'm only on, i think, chapter 5? might be 4. bc one chapter is 11k or so. 😅 i might cut it in half when I'm finished before i post but we'll see what happens.

i really really want to finish this. i also have a sequel planned but it's like angsty and bittersweet. but it would be so good.

[ash5monster01]

More Than You Know

Pairing: Steve Harrington x FemReader(Plus-size!)

Warnings: fat shaming, body image issues, swearing, angst, lots of yelling, fluff

Summary: You had liked Steve since the day you met but you never entertained the idea of being with him because you figured a popular guy like him would never date a girl your size. Coming to terms with this didn’t mean you’d stop defending him in a world full of ungrateful girls. So you reach your breaking point when you’re sick and tired of watching girls miss out on something that would be so good for them. Thing was, Steve heard everything you had to say.

word count: 2047

Masterlist

“Looking good today Lola” you could practically see the smirk on Steve’s face from the sound of his voice. Looking up you saw his eyes trained on the blonde beside you, who had yet to put returns you had finished rewinding back on the shelf, her nail file much to important.

Lola Grant was everything you were not. Blonde, primp, perfect. Steve loved her for all of those things including her tiny waist. You on the other hand hated her for all of those things. She wore dresses with flower patterns and you still wore the same tattered converse, ripped and worn in all the best ways. Your jeans and Motley Crue T-shirt didn’t compare. You were not the same.

“Thanks Stevie” you hated the nickname, especially how it brought a smile the shaggy haired boys face.

“I was wondering if you were free Friday night, I’m having a movie night with the kids and was wondering if you wanted to join?” you had lost count of all the attempts Steve had made to ask the girl out. There had to of been a billion by now.

“Sorry Steve but that sounds pathetic spending Friday night with underage kids” she sneered, meanness dripping from her tone. Steves smile faltered only slightly and despite how much you hated him for still trying he was still your friend.

“Then what’s your ideal date Lola?” your tone was sharp, accusatory, and just plain angry that she couldn’t see how great a guy he was. Not that she deserved him anyway.

“A fancy dinner, wine, making out in a movie theater, third base in the back of a BMW. Nothing to do with babysitting” she responded promptly. Steve hummed with satisfaction, a dopey grin on his face. The sentence immediately making him forget how rude she was in the first place. His mind now only in the backseat of a BMW.

“Classy” you quipped, and she offered a forced smile but knew you were judging her. Yet a girl like you didn’t really get under her skin. How could you when you guys weren’t even in the same league of girls.

“We could do something else, maybe a movie?” you didn’t hide the roll of your eyes as Steve tried again.

“Maybe another time Stevie, I’m busy this weekend” a lie and you knew it, and maybe he did too. Finally picking up the stack of tapes you rewinded she moved off to place them on shelves.

“Get real Steve” you snipped, the moment she was out of ear shot.

“What’s your deal?” he asked and you shook your head, amused he couldn’t see how shitty she was.

“My deal is that girl sucks, you’ve got so much more going for you” you said pushing a new tape into the machine and hitting rewind. Steve moved behind the counter, taking Lola’s previous spot.

“She doesn’t suck, she’s cool and hot. Hard to get but I don’t give up” he smirked as he crossed his arms and you groaned, annoyed that he was so blinded by her fake appearance. She was nothing more than a girl who peaked in high school and Steve was so much more.

“She’s not cool nor is she hot. Don’t you ever think? If she actually had anything going for her she wouldn’t still be stuck here working in a video store” your anger caused the words to rattle out and Steves face dropped.

“Wonder what you think of me then?” you instantly realized your mistake and began shaking your head. You wished Robin wasn’t at school and was here to defend you.

“That’s not what I meant Steve-” but he was already shaking his head in offense and pushing himself off the counter.

“It’s exactly what you meant Y/N” he spoke harshly, hurt by his friend and the words you had spoke as he walked into the back room. Sighing you dropped your head on the counter, upset you pissed him off.

“What’s wrong? Did he deny you?” Lola chuckled as she returned to the counter now free of VHS tapes. Lola viewed life as a social ladder. She was on the top, Steve right below her, which is why she never dated him, and you were all the way on the bottom. She was out of Steve’s reach but you were miles away.

“No Lola, thanks for having faith in me” sarcasm laced your tone as you lifted your head.

“How could I have faith in you, you’ve never had a date in your life” she chuckled, annoyed you gave her so much crap when she saw you as absolutely nothing. She didn’t even think Steve should be talking to you.

“Shut up Lola” you spoke, not wanting anymore shit, already angry enough.

“You want to know why you haven’t had a date Y/N?” Lola expression turned menacing as she moved towards you, mean girl genes firing through her bones. “Because you’re fat, and weird, and no guy is attracted to that”

“You know what?” normally Lola would get to you, break your heart and allow tears to pool in your eyes. But today was your breaking point. She could treat you as badly as she wanted but you were done with her treating Steve like that.

“What?” her amused expression didn’t falter as she waited for some lame comeback bound to fall from your mouth.

“You’re a bitch Lola. Nothing more than a washed up high school mean girl. You’re gonna spend the rest of your life in this God forsaken town, running though men like their a God damn marathon, until you end up stuck with some creepy old man who knocked you up, and you’ll never be anything more than that girl from high school absolutely everyone hated” Lola was shocked as you continued to raise your voice at her, alerting Steve from the back room.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about” Lola began to shake her head but you were beyond angry now, laughing as you approached her. Steve moved to the door, listening to everything you both said.

“Yes I do, because everyday you treat Steve like shit when he thinks you’re the best thing on earth. Do you know how crazy that is? Steve is the greatest guy I know. He cares for so many people when he doesn’t even have to, including me, he even drives Robin to school everyday even if he doesn’t have to be up for work, because he’s such a great guy. He’s the kind of guy who would treat you right and every day for no fucking reason you tell him no” Lola opened her mouth to speak but you quickly held up a hand, not done with your spiel.

“Not to say you deserve a guy like that because you don’t, and twenty years from now, while your holding your child on the porch of your trailer home, you’re gonna be wishing you said yes to him. Every day I hope he’s gonna walk through those doors and ask me out instead because I know what he’s worth. He may be way out of both our leagues but at least I appreciate him. The only reason he still asks you is because you are the skinny, pretty girl, and that fucking stings. Yet I guess that’s how this cruel world works. So leave us both the fuck alone from now on” heavy breaths left your mouth as you finished, Steve having heard the whole thing, shocked to hear such passion come from you.

“Okay, I’m sorry” Lola muttered, before rushing from behind the counter. “I’m gonna take off, my shift is up anyway”

“Bye” you snipped, and she wore a guilty expression as she quickly collected her things and fled the building. You dropped your head back on the counter, now worked up from the drama. Steve finally walked out the back room, knowing Lola was gone.

“You think I ask her out because she’s prettier than you?” your shoulders tensed at his voice, not realizing he heard the whole thing. “Because you’re way prettier than her”

“Don’t lie to me right now Steve, guys don’t date big girls like me” you looked up as you shook your head at him. Steve didn’t care the enthuse the idea.

“I never asked you out because I thought you were too good for me” you furrowed your eyebrows as he continued to talk anyway. Steve had always thought you were pretty and on top of that you were also the best person he knew.

“I’m nothing special and you’re kinda the coolest person I know. I ask Lola out because she’s the kinda girl I’m gonna end up with, not because of her looks compared to yours. I’m just not good enough for you” you scoffed, not believing a word because you truly had never heard kind words like this before. It was also hard to believe he could feel like same way you had all this time, used to people avoiding you because of your size.

“I’m not looking for the you’re not fat, you’re beautiful speech. You weren’t supposed to hear what I said. So can we just drop it” you said turning away from him, uninterested in this lame attempt at making you feel better. You had accepted your fate a long time ago.

“You are beautiful Y/N. Fuck, why can’t you see that? I never asked you out because you were the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen and I didn’t want to ruin that” tears pooled in your eyes because if you let yourself believe him and it wasn’t true you weren’t sure you’d ever recover.

“You’re a great guy Steve, you wouldn’t ruin anything. I would” Steve’s heart warmed because he heard how you had defended him like that. Not even he thought he was so great and apparently you noticed him more than he thought you did.

“Thank you for defending me, and it made me realize that I do deserve someone who would defend me like that. So go out with me Y/N, and not just because of this whole thing, because I’ve wanted to date you since the day we met” you shook your head, the tears now falling down your face.

“Steve if you hurt me, I just can’t. I wouldn’t be able to handle it” Steve felt his heart break as he looked at you. Really looked at you and he felt terrible he had never made you realize how amazing you were in the first place. He was selfish staying away because you deserved to be shown you were just as beautiful as any girl Steve had dated.

“Let me prove you wrong” he said gripping your arms and you looked up at him, tear filled eyes, and he felt the wind get knocked out of him from the look in your eyes. The fact he never realized you loved him back before was shocking because he could see it written all over your face.

“Okay” you muttered and before you could even react he tugged your lips against his. Arms gripping you for dear life and your eyes were wide as you realized what he had done. He had kissed you and you had never even expected it. Then you realized how soft his lips were, how he tasted like cherries, and his warm mouth soothed every ache in your heart. Your hands gripped his shirt as you settled into the kiss, relaxation taking over you, eyes fluttering shut as he moved to wrap his arms around you. If you had known yelling at Lola would make Steve Harrington kiss you like this you would’ve done it a lot sooner. You weren’t even fully sure you were supporting yourself anymore, knees weak from the fire he has ignited in your stomach.

“Holy shit” Steve panted as he pulled away, a dopey smile on his face, because he had never felt like that from kissing a girl before.

“I know” you panted right along side him and he let out a giddy chuckle, moving to pull you back into his arms.

“I may not deserve you but after that I’m not going down without a fight”

[werdlewrites]

masterlist - ao3 - twitter @ djomamma

summary: “Y’know the rules, Harrington.” The teen puffs out his cheeks, blowing a raspberry as he raises a fist and begins to count every finger that extends. “Don’t stay out late. Keep the walkie-talkie on. Don’t talk t’strangers. Don’t do drugs. Always be on high alert.” The two men locked eyes, one almost beaming with enthusiasm while the other seemed entirely unimpressed. “How’d I do?” Hopper says nothing in response to the boy. He takes another sip of his coffee, eyes now on the Autumn as he nods in approval. “Dress warm.” wc: 3,530 warnings: STEVE FLUFF, hallucinations, panic

So, this was 17.

She remembers what it was like to wake up on her 16th birthday. The smell of warmth and cinnamon in the chilly morning as her father plated pancakes for the two of them. A gesture not often shown and accepted with great appreciation. There was an entire day planned out for the two of them. She would unwrap the small presents he’d been collecting over time, learning from hard lessons that he could never shop when time wasn’t on his side. Autumn would wear something new he had gotten her, and they would travel outside of Hawkins to her favorite shop. She spent at least over an hour scouting out various books, crystals, and instruments she had a fascination with. She would pause and stare at something for just a little too long in debate, and he would swoop in to pay the price.

Steve wasn’t in the picture, then. His absence felt like a dagger buried deep in her chest, twisting and pulling until she found herself on Jonathan’s doorstep, ready to continue the celebration with laughter and warmth. But she would lie awake in wonder if he was thinking about her and the smiles they shared, just as she did.

The bitterness of coffee seeps into the darkened wood of the cabin. It bleeds through and pulls her from a quiet night of rest, yet still too lazy to roll out from her bed. There’s no sweet syrup, or the sizzle of batter on a hot pan. Just the gentle thud of his heavy footsteps as he moves down below, trying not to disturb her. No soft sounds from the radio as her father plays a classic tune. Autumn lies there for an unknown amount of time, heavy eyes locked on the beams above and the eyes of nature imprinted through the structure. They stare back. Mocking and pointing out the drastic change in her life in such a short amount of time. How she could no longer recognize the girl she met in reflections.

So, this was 17.

A rumble of hunger has her turning over–inching toward the edge for her feet to rest upon the chilled flooring. Her head rolls from side to side, letting bones crack and settle before her focus shifts to a familiar object across the way. It’s set just by the edge of the attic–tossed aside as she climbed in for bed. The brown wrapping paper was still fully intact, with small animals beckoning for her. She obliges.

The box is carted back toward her bed, illuminated by the glow of morning as she begins to tear at the paper. Slowly, she reveals a checkered pattern along a wooden surface. It’s nearly pristine. Shining beneath the sunlight. She could have mistaken it for something brand new if she hadn’t noticed the small scuff marks along the edges. Or the small loss of sheen as pieces rubbed away at the finish.

It had been well-loved once upon a time. Had this belonged to Dr. Owens? Did he no longer find a use for it, thinking she may give it the love it deserved? It was one of the oddest things been given, for sure. But, she still slides the game board free from the box to peek inside - and her heart slows to a halt.

The girl's veins fill with shards of ice, aching as her body slowly locks up with a mind empty of thought. Unable to turn away–unable to hide from another nightmare as it slips into reality.

Various birds lay in an organized fashion. Perfectly placed and nestled into their felt bedding. She’s seen them all before - in dreams or hallucinations. In that place, she’s constantly pulled back to–the darkness. Where the world peels away little by little - like old, rotten paint falling away to reveal what's beneath. The white walls decorated with the brilliant color of a rainbow and proudly displayed drawings from children.

The voices of people she cannot put a face to yet finds a familiarity with as they go over the rules of the game. Her hands are much smaller compared to her opponent. Small, and frail. She moves every piece to mirror his own, facing down enemies without confidence. But, she finds trust. Piece by piece, they shift. The man acts as a guide at first, letting her find comfort before she moves the pawns across the board, no longer needing his aid.

A small hand raises, finger hovering just over the raven and watching as it begins to slide across the surface with ease, and without contact. “No,” he interrupts. Tiny fingers coil back, hand slipping away with hesitation before the other continues. “You can do better.” And so the hand falls to the girl's lap, fist wound tight against thighs as she stares at the piece - pressure building at the center of her mind until the raven settles in its new square. There’s a breath of relief and a chuckle of approval across the way, “Good.”

Victory is short-lived. A chest swelled with pride deflates the moment a white raven swoops in without mercy. He plucks the girl's piece from the board to set aside with his building collection. “But not good enough.”

A thunderous noise from below shocks Autumn back into the present. Her vision was hazy yet locked in a trance on the checkered boxes. The wooden pieces had been pulled from the depths - by her hand, or something else, she cannot tell. They lay scattered across the board, some rolled off onto the comforter. A lone king remains - a tall eagle entangled in the chains that hold him down. Keep it contained and imprisoned.

It stares in her direction with purpose, bringing attention to the ache in her fingers as they strangle a blackened bird in her hand. Trembling fingers work to pry themselves apart, revealing that same peacock that has followed her through dreams - through another time.

“Autumn?” Hopper's voice rings out, calling to her from the main level and the bird falls from her hand. It clatters along the floor, rolling from her sight as she moves with desperation. The board is pushed back, along with the king and other fallen pieces. They all vanish in the storm that rips through her body. A breath of life finally fills her chest, though it’s panicked. She tugs at blankets until she can no longer see the brown and white squares, shoving at the pieces until they all slip away from her mattress, eager to forget what she’s seen.

“Everything okay up there?”

“Fine!” The lies continue as she calls back. The sound of her voice was shockingly frail and cracked. She stares down at her hands, making sure they are truly…hers. Not of a child, but of someone who’s seen what reckless teenage behavior can do. The small scars from careless actions or the dented nails of anxiety.

“You have a visitor,” his tone is more irritable. A low grumble of something incoherent as he waits at the base of the ladder.

“Tell them t’come back later. I’m not really-”

He scoffs at her response–just barely on the verge of laughing as he pulls away from the wall to move elsewhere. “That’s not likely,” is how he ends it. Leaving the girl in total silence, still struggling to come down from the high of what she’s just seen, and now a budding frustration toward her guardian.

When her chest stills and her mind has cleared itself of fog, she puts on a brave face. Bury the troubles in the corners of her mind like she had always done, so that she could make it through another day. So no one could see the burden she carried. But as she peeks just over the edge of an open attic, the mask slips. A familiar brunette stands awkwardly in the small living room. Hands perched on cocked hips as he sways back and forth impatiently. He’s avoiding the narrowed stare of the chief of police. “Steve?”

Doe-like eyes dart in her direction, curved lips stretching to a soft grin. The boy is unphased by her expression of surprise or the baggy pajamas she still wears. “Want me t’come back later?” he teased, still wearing a look of amusement as she quietly pondered what to say.

She hadn’t seen or spoken to him in days. Not after what happened. Not after she fell into his arms with blinding tears in her eyes. She waits at the edge, convincing herself that this is no hallucination or bad dream. This was the real Steve. His warmth and bright eyes. Nothing like the coldness she had felt in that awful place inside her mind. Hesitantly, she climbs down to meet him with arms crossed over her chest. Remaining cautious and distant.

“What’re you doing here?”

For a moment, his face blanks. Forgetting that things are different - more than just different. More than a reunion between two friends. Her life was entirely altered and off-kilter, not knowing where to stand or where to go. “It’s your birthday.” He states plainly.

Steve finds his spirit lightened when he hears her snort. Lips pulled to a timid smile as she mutters, “I know that.”

“Well,” his hands rub frantically together, the excitement bubbling up until he spreads his arms out wide with a toothy grin. “I’m here t’celebrate!”

The girl's smile falls to a flatline, brows furrow together as she eyes him carefully. Her old friend was not typically the most eager in the morning, especially on a holiday vacation. “Steve, it’s 10 AM.”

The boy's arms fall to rest in a familiar place. One hand raised to confirm the time on his watch, and then he waved her away defensively. “I know. We’re starting late. So, go,” he gestures towards her figure. Fingers twirling midair as the words lodge in his throat, reddening his skin. “Put something on.”

A crooked, disbelieving smirk shines on the girl's face. Neck twisting to catch sight of Hopper's lack of amusement. Steve’s done a lot for the two of them while her world crumbled and slipped through the gaps. He’s provided a helping hand. A shelter when the sheriff couldn’t stand at her back for protection. He’s given comfort and smiles when it is most needed. And despite all he’s done, it gives the older male little comfort in letting her go.

But, he gives his blessing with the tilt of his head and shrugs of his shoulders. “Y’know the rules, Harrington.”

The teen puffs out his cheeks, blowing a raspberry as he raises a fist and begins to count every finger that extends. “Don’t stay out late. Keep the walkie-talkie on. Don’t talk t’strangers. Don’t do drugs. Always be on high alert.” The two men locked eyes, one almost beaming with enthusiasm while the other seemed entirely unimpressed. “How’d I do?”

Hopper says nothing in response to the boy. He takes another sip of his coffee, eyes now on the Autumn as he nods in approval. “Dress warm.”

Attention is locked on the contents of her bag, checking that nothing had been left behind in the diner when she notices the ground is no longer painted in the glow of a setting sun. The light is gone–swallowed up by an eclipse as ash rains down from the sky. It dances through the air with every step, quickly coating the top of her boots and dirtying her jeans. Autumn truly sees the world, then. Buildings collapsed and were pulled into the Earth by living vines.

It’s all so familiar. The cracks of lightning as they whip through the sky, illuminating the nothingness. The rumble of thunder that follows goes unheard, drowned out by a racing heart as it pounds in her ears. It’s a dream–it’s only a dream.

It’s not real.

But his presence is hard to ignore. That same chill radiates from his frozen form as he stands at her back, waiting just outside the now-empty diner. Her eyes close, and she recites the order of events in hushed whispers to herself. She had left that place - it had been days. He reluctantly let her go back to the cabin once her sobs had ceased. The sun had set and risen - she counted the hazy stars. Teeth chewed her lip raw from anxiety as she faced Dr. Owens for the first and second time.

She couldn’t be back in this place.

Not with him–whoever he truly was.

“Autumn?”

She can hear him at her back, his voice soothing and full of worry. The teen can’t help but feel as though it were a trick. Luring her in with familiarities before striking. She knows he’s not really there. Not the boy she once knew. Something twisted and evil lurks in her shadow, waiting for her to accept him.

“I could have saved you.”

Not real.

Not real!

“Aut?”

Focus snaps in the boy's direction, blinded by the sudden light that fills her vision. He’s shed the puffy winter coat, leaving it discarded somewhere in the back. The heat glides along their skin, leaving their cheeks tinted but blissful as it thaws frozen limbs. The run out to his car was short, but the snow had piled high enough to slip inside her boots as they trampled through the path.

Dampened toes curl, brushing up against abandoned boots, reminding her that this was real. His look of concern was real. Not the emptiness the other version of him held. Not the bitterness that dripped from that stranger's tongue. “You with me?” he questions, his eyes glancing from her to the road ahead on repeat.

All she can do is shake away the nerves, urging a smile to the front as she basks in the moment. The words “this is real” loop in her mind. “Yeah, m’good. Just thinkin’ about how long it’s been since we’ve done this.”

Those few words seem to shift the atmosphere by force. Taking hold and twisting it until the boy grows uncomfortable in his seat. “Yeah, it’s long overdue.” There’s visible discomfort in his expression, eyes forward but mind elsewhere as he muddles over the right words to say. A silent battle in his mind while his empty hand grips a denim-clad thigh. The nerves rise with the growing tides until they spill out. “Is this okay?”

Confused, she spares a glance his way. Noting how his eyes dart frantically between her and the journey ahead. “Y’know, this? Doing this? I didn’t like–I didn’t make you feel pressured t’go, right?”

Autumn’s tense shoulders sag, face softening as she watches him come undone before her. His vulnerability was proof enough that this was no dream - no nightmare. Just the same boy who panicked and stumbled over himself. Needing to be accepted by the people he gave his all to. King Steve was dead. Not just the title, but all of the false adopted traits he gathered over time. It was simply Steve.

“I mean, I don’t want t’assume that we’re-I don’t know. I–I just-”

“Steve,” the girl interrupts, eyes unreadable as they connect over the center console.

“Yeah?” he seems almost breathless as he responds. Hoping that in some way, they could just move on. Forget about this moment and how embarrassed his ramblings had made him. Skin flushed with knuckles white as they grip the wheel.

“Shut up.”

The boldness in her reply throws the boy off balance. There’s no more heated anxiety or timidness - just an empty mind as it rings out in his ears. Echoing and filling the gaps. In all of the years he’s known her, he’s always been able to pinpoint when Autumn was full of shit. When she was teasing, being a jerk, or seeming sincere. But now, with time and the erosion of her life, it’s unclear what it all means.

“I’m in your car, aren’t I? Like you said. No one, not even you, can make me do anything.”

It all takes a moment to sink in. A smile slowly inches toward the surface, full of light as he begins to relax in the driver's seat. Aching fingers release their strangled grip, letting the blood flow with ease. She chose to be here–wanted to be here. There was still a glimmer of hope, no matter how dark the world all seemed.

“Where the hell are we going, anyway?”

The pair had driven through town, passing every possible spark of interest for Autumn. Hawk Theater, the library, or even a place of peace and comfort just at the cliff of Lover’s Lake. Admiring the view as sunlight captured the glow of icy water and fresh snow. He wouldn’t spoil his plan–insisting she just sit and be patient. However, his encouragement to wear multiple layers was…alarming.

He had even promised that if she wasn’t happy, they could turn around and find a last-minute movie to enjoy. She spent the entire ride guessing, only to be shot down every time. Eventually, she ran out of ideas. Instead switching the conversation to Nancy, which he immediately began to fumble. His answers were short but honest. They were working on things, yet he was too shy to fully go into the details, unlike his somewhat ex-girlfriend who found confidence in confiding with another girl.

The conversation slowly fades out once his speed reduces, curiosity reaching its peak. He’s pulled into a lot, and it’s packed. Cooled cars sit along the treeline, entirely abandoned or the drivers mingle around with their children as they button up their heavy coats. They all seem to follow after one another - moving towards a park that no one seems to be taking advantage of. And as she spots the multiple, large inflatable tubes and sleds, she begins to understand why.

She calls his name, and all he can do is smile as he finds an empty spot toward the back. Telling her to get her shoes back on before he’s out of the car, jacket in hand as he moves toward the passenger side. Her door opens without thought - like it comes second nature to him. Unphased by her puzzled gaze beneath fallen hair while she forces each foot back into her boots.

“Unless you have a sled in your trunk, I think we’re pretty screwed.”

He scoffs, leading the way toward the snowy field with his fingers fiddling with his wallet. “Don’t worry about it. It’s covered.”

An older man stands with a smile on his face, speaking to parents as they exchange a few dollars for an inflated tube he keeps just at his back. They all move on, preparing their child just at the edge of what Autumn believes is a small hill. Steve does the same, ignoring her words of protest as he forces the handle into her hand.

There’s hesitation as she stands along the lineup of people, staring down a white expanse that is far longer and steeper than she pictured. And Steve can’t help but notice the sudden tension in her shoulders, or clench of her jaw. “What? Afraid of heights now?”

“No,” she bites back. “I’m afraid of what comes after.”

Steve can’t bury the smile so proudly on display, though there’s a teasing look in his eye as he suggests they go together. It’s all for her benefit, so she’s less afraid. But she scoffs at him and slams the object down, her torso pressed to the surface and in a matter of seconds, she abandons him at the top of the hill. She can hardly hear his cries of excitement as the wind overwhelms her senses.

It feels like it did all of those years ago. Careless and free. No longer imprisoned by her mind as it was filled with impossible things or voices from the unseen. Weakened wings were gaining their strength, reaching out to the sun so that she could finally fly. But it’s all over in an instant. She reaches the bottom and her pace begins to slow to a halt, a wild heart rate drowning out the sound of joyful children all around her. Or the hiss of plastic as it grinds against compacted snow, inching closer toward her with every second.

She’s breathless from the sudden adrenaline, aching eyes staring out into nothing until Steve slides into her view, just a few feet beyond her. There’s tension in his neck as he pulls at one handle, trying to shift the tilt before it surrenders and tosses him off to the side. You can hear his body collide with the ground, and a forced “oomph,” before he erupts in a fit of laughter.

“Well,” he grumbles between every huff, now up on his damp knees. “That could have been more graceful.”

The boy notices her intense stare and the quivering twitch of a smile. It all seems to speak for her when the words don’t reach her lips. She’s having genuine fun—excitement flooding through her veins to leave her dizzy. “What?” He asks, mimicking her expression as he finally stands, dusting away the snow.

“I want t’go again.”

[yelena-bellova]

UNLUCKY: A STRANGER THINGS STORY (OC) - CHAPTER TEN

Chapter Ten: A Night to Remember

Series Masterlist l OC Profile

Plot: It’s prom season at Hawkins High for Jonathan and Christine, but the favor between friends comes with complexities.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: none really

A/N: Welcome back! We’ve only got a few more chapters till we’re in s2, but I’m loving building some backstory for future seasons. Hope you enjoy this one!

UPDATE: Two years later, I’ve converted this to an OC story. All chapters are being rewritten ☺️

————————

April 16th, 1984

Spring in Hawkins was its most beautiful time. We came out of a particularly harsh winter to be greeted with flowers blooming and trees sprouting bright green leaves. It was a season of hope.

Unbeknownst to me, spring meant something more for if you were in high school. It meant it was prom season. I quickly learned that prom wasn’t just a dance; it was the event of the year. It made or broke relationships. It was a death sentence if you didn’t find a date. It was a competition of who could look prettiest. In high school world, it was everything.

Naturally, I wasn’t going.

Jonathan and I had been making a habit of eating lunch on the hood of his car. Neither of us loved being a third wheel to Nancy and Steve and since they were always together, we’d formed a tighter bond.

“You’re not missing much,” he said, mouth full of ham sandwich. I’d broached the subject of prom.

“How do you know?” I took a quick swig of my soda, “You’ve never been.”

Jonathan shrugged, “Some things you don’t need to experience to know they’re stupid. Like movies or bands.”

“Very optimistic,” I smiled, “I don’t know, I think it sounds fun.”

Jonathan’s unbothered side was one of the things I loved about him, but we were two different people when it came down to it. He had never tried to fit in, I was trying doing everything I could to.

“You really want to go, don’t you?” He asked.

It was my turn to shrug. “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. I don’t have a date. And apparently it’s social suicide to go without one,” I looked down at my pb&j, “Don’t need to stoke that fire anymore.”

There was a long beat of silence before Jonathan spoke. “What if…what if we went together?”l

I looked up at him, “What?”

“If you really want to go,” he shrugged, “I’d take you.”

“You just finished saying how much you hated prom.”

“I mean, it’s probably not that bad-“

“Jonathan,” I laughed.

He joined in, the offer seemed too ridiculous not to laugh at.

“Think of it as” Jonathan lowered his voice, “You helped save Will and I’m repaying the favor.”

“Oh, those two are equal?”

“Sure,” he replied, smiling warmly, “Come on…”

Jonathan was constantly doing for others. It made me almost uncomfortable that he would put himself through something he was so against just to make me happy.

“I don’t know.”

“Yes you do.”

We smiled at one another until I finally gave in. “Okay. You take me to prom and we’re…what’s the phrase?”

“Square,” Jonathan held out his hand.

“Square,” I shook his hand. My imagination was already setting off confetti and fireworks.

——————

For once, when Hopper picked me up, I had good news.

“How was your day?” Hopper asked, expecting the same groaning answer as always.

“It was decent.”

“Really?” he raised a brow, “Well, that’s an improvement.”

“I actually decided that I’m going to go to prom,” I continued as we pulled out of the school parking lot.

“By yourself?”

“No, someone asked me.”

“Someone asked you?” his voice grew serious, “Who’s ‘someone?’ Is it the kid with the hair?”

“Okay, for the hundredth time,” I spoke slowly, “Steve is dating Nancy-“

“Yeah, well, things change quick in high school.”

I smiled to myself and leaned my elbow against the windowsill, resting my head in my hand. This was going to be fun.

“And come to think of it, I don’t remember giving you permission to go to a school dance,” Hopper was gaining speed, “And definitely not with a date.”

“It’s Jonathan.”

Silence. “Jonathan?”

“Mm-hmm,” I nodded.

Another bit of silence. “Joyce’s kid?”

“The very one.”

Hopper paused, “Huh.”

“Yeah,” I smiled, “So I don’t think you have anything to worry about. He doesn’t even want to go really, he’s just taking me because he knows I want to.”

Hopper knew how good of friends Jonathan and I had grown to be. He’d picked me up from the Byers’ house nearly as much as he did from the Wheeler’s. Jonathan was the only boy from school Hopper would let take me anywhere, let alone prom.

“Then….” he trailed off while trying to recover, “I think you two will have a great time together.”

I smirked at him, “Oh, you do?”

Hopper shot me a look from under his sunglasses. “Don’t be a smartass.”

——————

Nancy had already asked for my help that weekend finding a dress. We had to drive to the next town over as our department store had already been cleared out of most options.

“What do you think of this one?” Nancy held up a turquoise dress with big puffy sleeves.

I made a face, “It’s…poofy?”

Nancy took a second look, before putting it back. “Why is shopping for one dress so hard? Honestly, count yourself lucky you don’t have to.”

“Yeah,” I tried to laugh as if I hadn’t been secretly scanning the racks.

I’d had days to tell Nancy that I was indeed going to prom, but I’d chickened out each time. If it had been anyone else who’d asked me, she’d have known immediately. But Jonathan was…to be honest, I still wasn’t sure what Jonathan was to Nancy, but he was clearly something. I hadn’t imagined the way they looked at each other. I didn’t want to hurt my friendship with Nancy, but Hopper had uncharacteristically given me money and I needed to find a full outfit before he realized he’d gone insane.

“What about….” Nancy pulled out a strappy gold dress, “This one?”

“Oh,” I rubbed the material between my fingers, “I like it.”

“Yeah?” Nancy was beaming, “I’m gonna go try it on.”

As she walked off towards the fitting room, my nerves became too much to handle. “I-I forgot to tell you,” I said before she got too far, “I actually am going to prom.”

“What? Chris, oh my gosh, that’s awesome!” Nancy lightly smacked my arm, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know,” I tried to smile.

“Who asked you?”

My stomach twisted. “Um…Jonathan, actually.”

Any thoughts going through Nancy’s mind clearly stopped. Her smile dropped ever so slightly, a little bit of the signature light in her eyes faded.

“Just as a friend,” I clarified, “He doesn’t even want to go but he knows I really do. I-It’s basically a favor.”

“That’s…” Nancy tried to regain her joy, “That’s great. I’m so excited for you.”

“Is that…okay?” I hesitated.

“Yeah, of course,” she said quickly, “I mean, why wouldn’t it be okay?”

“Well, I mean…you and Jonathan are….” I struggled before backtracking all the way to Hawkins, “You guys were friends way before I got here and I just didn’t want to make things awkward.”

“Why would it be awkward?” Nancy asked, “You guys are friends, we all are…” she shook her head out from whatever haze she was in, “And I’m going with Steve, obviously, so everybody wins.”

Nancy started sifting through the nearest rack of dresses we’d already looked at. She was way more affected than she’d ever admit.

“It’s great,” she smiled.

“O-okay…” I replied, “Great.”

A beat of awkward silence passed before Nancy snapped out of it. “And, oh my gosh, you’re getting to go to prom. That’s awesome!”

“Yeah,” I agreed, “Which means I kind of need a dress too.”

Nancy pulled out a bright green dress made of taffeta, a word I’d only just learned. The laugh she was holding in showed she was joking.

I quickly searched for a long sleeved red and black dress covered in sequins she’d had already made a face at.

The two of us burst into giggles and somehow the Jonathan matter was put behind us…for a little while, at least.

——————

The lead-up to prom went by way quicker than I’d expected. Nancy and I had worked each night after school on hair and makeup until we’d perfected our looks. As soon as Jonathan had told Joyce he was taking me, she’d called Hopper and told him she wanted to do pictures at their house before the dance. It was all a little overwhelming, but the best kind.

The night of, I spent an hour in front of the mirror with the curling iron and my makeup bag. All the products and devices were still foreign to me but I managed to do a near perfect duplicate of what Nancy had done on me.

When I looked in the mirror at the finished product, I realized I looked exactly like I’d wished to for so many years. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful.

“Pretty.”

I caught El’s reflection, she was standing in the doorway.

“You think so?” I reached out for her to come stand next to me. “You know you’re pretty too, right?”

El twisted her lips. “You are,” I wrapped an arm around her, “All this stuff I’ve got on my face is just for fun.”

“Can I try?” she asked timidly.

Hopper didn’t even like me wearing makeup. He’d kill me if I got El involved in it at all. But more important than Hopper was the little fact that sisters could have secrets.

I dug through my bag and found some tinted lip balm. El turned to me and I held her face to apply a light coat. It added the tiniest bit of pink to her mouth.

“There,” I smiled, pulling back to admire her, “Just don’t tell Hopper.”

El looked herself over in the mirror and lit up, “Don’t tell Hopper.”

I giggled just as a knock sounded on the doorframe. “You about finished in there?” Hopper asked without entering.

“Yeah,” I got up and waited for him to leave. It was all building to a grand reveal. “Let me get changed.”

The dress I’d ended up choosing was dark blue and off the shoulders. It felt ridiculously fancy and I was still a bit nervous about wearing it. I was also too excited to listen to myself.

“Clock’s a ticking,” Hopper called just as I’d zipped up.

“Coming,” I gave myself one final look in the mirror, beaming at my reflection, before heading to the door. “Okay…”

I came out of the bedroom on full display. El’s eyes widened and she immediately came up to me, touching the bodice of the dress.

“Pretty?” I smiled down at her.

She nodded, “Pretty.”

I looked to Hopper, who didn’t look nearly as thrilled but just as shocked. “Well?”

“I, uh…I…” he mumbled, clearing his throat, “You look…grown up.”

I furrowed my brow, “Is grown up good or…?”

“It’s good—I mean, not if you’re planning on doing something you shouldn’t, but you’re not so…” Hopper recovered his answer and slowly smiled, “It’s good.”

I matched his expression, feeling a new kind of connection with him. Something like what I’d felt on Valentine’s Day or when I was around Mr. Wheeler and Holly.

Hopper’s smile faltered, “And Jonathan and you are just friends, right?”

I rolled my eyes, “I’m leaving now.”

When we got to the Byers, the sunset was just starting to set. Jonathan was trying to teach Joyce how to work his camera as Hopper and I pulled into their driveway.

“Oh! You look beautiful!” Joyce exclaimed as she came over to hug me, “Are you excited?”

“Despite your son’s best efforts,” I shared a knowing smile with Jonathan, “Yes.”

Joyce went about posing the two of us. Almost all of them made us look more like a couple than friends. At one point, she had me wrap my arms around Jonathan’s neck and had him wrap his around my waist.

“Mom…” he laughed.

“What?” Joyce said as she lined up the shot, “Friends can look adorable too.”

At one point, while she was roping Hopper into finding another good spot, I let go of Jonathan and grabbed Will, who’d been enjoying the chaos from the porch.

“I’ve changed my mind,” I announced, “I want only the best Byers to take me to prom.”

Joyce snapped a few pictures of the two of us. Will and I had bonded once given the chance to get to know each other. I felt tied to him in some way after fighting to rescue him and he’d told me how he liked that I didn’t treat him like he was weird.

After taking pictures of me with both Byers boys, a few with Hopper plus some by myself, Jonathan and I were released. Hopper made him promise to be back in the driveway by 11, something I didn’t suspect would be a problem.

“Ready?” Jonathan asked as he put his keys in the ignition.

I smiled at both his kindness of taking me and his absolute dread of going. “Ready.”

——————

We arrived to the school a little after 7, minutes after it had officially started.

“Okay,” Jonathan said as we got out of the car, “Here we go.”

I looked down at the elbow he was holding out and back up at him.

“Did you hurt your arm driving?” I asked.

“No,” he smiled, “It’s for you. To take.”

I didn’t feel any more clued in. “Take…?”

Jonathan grabbed my hand and looped it through his arm. One glance up at the other couples walking in showed what he was going for.

“Ah,” I smiled and we headed off. I was getting the full experience.

The moment we stepped inside, it was like another place. The gym had been completely transformed. There were beautifully decorated tables with big floral centerpieces. Lights, streamers and balloons were strung from the ceiling. A DJ was positioned underneath the basketball hoop. There was a photographer at the door taking pictures in front of a backdrop.

“Wow,” I muttered.

Jonathan shared my surprise, “They actually made it look nice.”

We got our photo taken by the over-the-top photographer. Jonathan spent a good ten minutes critiquing his subpar skills and what he would have done differently.

Afterwards, we found a table with two free seats and Jonathan went to grab drinks. I watched the girls that passed by, admiring their dresses and complimenting them if they were close enough. Some thanked me, some told me they liked mine, but the majority passed me by without a word but with plenty of disdain.

“Look,” one girl said to her friends, “Freak’s playing Cinderella for a night.”

As they left giggling, I took a deep breath. I was not going to let reality ruin the night.

“Friends of yours?” Jonathan quipped, returning with two glasses of punch.

“I’ve decided not to let it bother me,” I stated, “Cinderella’s a princess.”

“So that makes me…the pumpkin?”

“You’re the best friend they don’t show in the movie,” I answered, “The one who cheers on her positive outlook on life.”

Jonathan nodded, “I can do that.”

I grinned as we knocked our glasses together.

Eventually, Jonathan couldn’t hold out on me any longer and we made our way to the dance floor. The great part about going as friends was that none of the invisible rules applied to us. Neither of us cared if we held hands or got too close. Jonathan spun me around until I was dizzy and giggling. At some point even he was enjoying himself.

“Christine!”

I twirled around and saw Nancy coming over, Steve right behind her. She looked gorgeous in her pale pink ruffled gown with her curly hair all pinned up.

“Aah!” I exclaimed as we hugged, “The dress looks so good on you!”

“You too!” she replied, looking over to Jonathan after. Her tone dropped from ecstatic to pleasantly polite, “Hey.”

“Hey,” he mumbled, holding up a hand before extending it to Steve, “Hey.”

“Hey, man,” Steve replied, the two of them were cordial and nothing more. They’d made up to some extent after the fight but the awkwardness was still there.

“Can you believe how nice they made this place look?” I tried to lighten the mood.

“Right?” Steve jumped in, “Takes the sting out of losing to the Falcons last week.”

Jonathan, who couldn’t have cared less, tried to smile. He kept his gaze down, if he didn’t, his eyes darting up to Nancy every couple seconds.

“Alright, crazy kids,” the dj announced into his microphone, “Time for a little who’s-who switcheroo. Grab someone’s who you didn’t come with and hit the dance floor.”

The four of us exchanged awkward glances. I was the only one who wasn’t sweating at the idea of dancing with someone else.

“Steve,” a blonde called sweetly from behind him, “Dance with me?”

Another two were closing in, each of them just as eager to score a dance with Steve all dressed up in a tux. He chuckled a little nervously before regaining his cool composure.

“Sorry, ladies,” he looked to me, “I already asked Christine.”

I took Steve’s outstretched hand and turned to Jonathan and Nancy, “Are you guys…?”

“Oh, yeah,” Nancy rushed out, taking a hesitant step towards Jonathan.

With that, I let Steve lead me a few feet away. I settled my arms around his neck, feeling highly uncomfortable. It didn’t matter if everyone had to switch partners, I had a feeling I’d be singled out for stealing Nancy’s date.

“Am I that bad a partner?” Steve noticed what I couldn’t keep off my face.

“What?” I startled, “No, no…I’m just not sure how I’m supposed to dance with my best friend’s boyfriend.”

“You’re doing alright,” Steve assured, slowly swaying us to the music with his hands on my waist, “Is all this living up to your expectations?”

I fake gasped, “Are you kidding me? A dance with Steve Harrington? Nothing will ever compare.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Alright, alright…Hey, last time we were this close, you punched me. I’m taking a big risk.”

“When are you going to let that go?” I asked, he never missed a chance to bring up the moment we’d met.

“I think I still have the scar right here,” he continued as he touched his chin.

“I don’t regret it,” I shrugged.

“I still flinch when someone makes a fist.”

“I’m guessing that happens to you pretty often.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised…”

“I don’t think I would.”

Steve smiled down at me, I could tell what he was doing. He was distracting me into not overthinking. It was working.

“Don’t worry,” I said, “I keep my promises. No more punching,” pausing, I smiled, “So long as you don’t give me a reason to.”

“Deal,” he replied, “So does that make us….friends?”

Steve and I had done a remarkable job of spending a ton of time together without actually ever calling ourselves anything. To me, he was Nancy’s boyfriend who wasn’t completely unbearable. To him, I was Nancy’s friend who he could tolerate. It worked. But somewhere in between my first day when he’d bailed me out of detention and now, talking so naturally, something had changed. We’d become friends without even realizing it.

“Yeah,” I mused, “I guess it does.”

Steve smiled, “Good. I like it better when I’m on your good side.”

“I like it better when you’re not an asshole,” I replied.

Steve scrunched his face up, “Sure we’re friends?”

I giggled, “Sadly, yes.”

The song played its final notes and everyone started to reunite with their dates.

“Hey,” Nancy found us, “Is Jonathan okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“The second the song was over he just ran out the door,” she explained and looked to the entrance, “I-I don’t know what happened.”

“I’ll go find him,” I said, leaving her and Steve to themselves. Jonathan wouldn’t have left me by myself if something wasn’t really wrong.

The dark halls were completely empty. I pushed the boy’s bathroom door open but heard nothing. I glanced out one of the windows facing the parking lot, where Jonathan’s car was visible, but didn’t see him. Not knowing where else he may go, I took a shot in the dark and headed outside toward the football field. Something told me I was headed in the right direction.

Sure enough, there he was. Sitting on the bleachers alone.

I picked up my dress and climbed the steps, my heels clicking against the metal. Jonathan had wrapped himself in his own arms. He said nothing as I approached, he couldn’t even look at me. His eyes were shut and his head was lowered. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought he was sick or in pain.

If I hadn’t known better. It was very clear what was wrong.

He was heartbroken.

Over a girl who wasn’t his.

Of course it was Nancy that was bothering him. It was so painfully clear that he had feelings for her. Dancing with her, holding her close, gazing into her eyes…it had killed him.

There was nothing to say and nothing to do. It was an impossible situation. I simply sat down beside him, looped my arm through his and settled my head on his shoulder. It was the only comfort I could offer. To let him know I knew.

Eventually, I felt his body stop trembling and his muscles unclench. The two of us sat there, muffled music playing in the background, heartbroken on prom night.

————————

Unlucky Taglist: @lanadelray1989

[pencilscratchins]

i have reached the part of the steddie hyperfixation where i make them domesticated men in their 50s. having a blast! (twitter) [ID in ALT text]

[sheerfreesia007]

Fluffmas #11

Title: Fluffmas #11

Fandom: Stranger Things

Pairing: Steve Harrington x OFC!

Author: @sheerfreesia007​

Prompt: Pictures with Santa

Words: 1,080

Warnings: Fluff, kissing

Permanent Tag List: @paintballkid711, @fioccodineveautunnale, @phoenixhalliwell, @linkpk88, @weirdowithnobeardo, @athalien

Gif Credit: @misanderousmisfit

The chaotic atmosphere of the mall made Steve cringe as he stood in line for photos with Santa. The kids were all buzzing with excited energy as they bickered back and forth about who was going to stand where in the picture, rolling his eyes Steve huffed and looked over the Christmas shopping crowd to spot you rushing towards them with your hands full of bags.

“Stay here.” Steve told the kids before he ducked under the belt divider and began making his way over to you. You beamed up at him a little breathless and he smiled softly at you before shaking his head. “Couldn’t help yourself could you?” he asked teasingly as he easily took the bags from you and began guiding you back to the kids who all cheered when they spotted you.

“I love this time of year, you I can’t help but spoil you all.” you told him happily and Steve chuckled softly before nudging your hip with his. You smiled up at him and leant into his side as you watched the kids all begin bickering once again about where they would all be in the picture.

“Mom and Dad should obviously be on either side of Santa and we’d all fill in the rest of the space.” Dustin argued and Steve smiled softly as he felt you nodding your head against his chest. You and Steve had become the unofficial babysitters of the rambunctious group of kids about a year ago when the whole demodog situation happened. Steve was thankful to have a second person to help him corral the kids since it was such a full time job as it was. But the fact that you considered the two of you the Mom and Dad of the group made a warmth bloom in the pit of his stomach. About six months ago he had caught himself thinking about you in a more romantic way and had yet to gather the courage to tell you.

“What do you think Steve? You think we should be on either side of Santa?” you asked as you tilted your head upwards to stare at him. Steve felt his heart stutter in his chest when he looked down at you and saw your soft smile and sparkling eyes. He smiled gently and bent his head down to rest it against the top of yours.

“Whatever you want is fine with me.” he said fondly and you squealed softly and hugged his middle tightly.

“Then it’s settled.” you said warmly as you turned back to watch the line for photos with Santa grow smaller as your group moved forward.

Soon the line moved quickly and your group found themselves to be the next ones in line. Steve watched as the assistants who were dressed as elves from the North Pole moved people into place around Santa before taking the photo. He was impressed by how efficient they all were while dressed in their ridiculous outfits. But then Steve noticed how focused you were on them and how wide your smile was as you watched, you were completely taken in by the magic of it all.

One of the elves then began to gesture for everyone to come up for your photo. Steve set the bags down to the side of the photographer before moving to go stand on Santa’s opposite side when one of the elves lifted her hand to stop him. He frowned softly at the elf and she began to guide him over to the side that you were standing on as Dustin grinned at him widely from the other side of Santa.

“Stand next to your girlfriend. It’ll make a cute photo.” the elf said as she posed Steve right behind you.

“Oh but-” Steve began to say but then cut himself off when he saw the blush lighting up your face. He felt his heart stutter in his chest once more as Santa sat in his chair watching everything going on. Steve moved to stand behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist and took a step closer to you as his front came flush to your back.

“Alright everyone, say cheese!” called the photographer before there was a large flash of light. “Alright one more! Say cheese!” called the photographer once more and Steve took his chance and leant down and placed a kiss on your cheek. He felt you stiffen slightly in response but when he began to pull away you had turned and pressed your own lips to his causing him to falter. One of his hands came up around your waist while his other landed on the edge of Santa’s seat to catch the two of you from falling over. Cheers and wolf whistles rang through the air and Steve felt his face flush brightly just as your hands came up to cup his face as you smiled into the kiss. “Alright, to get your printed photos you just need to see the elf at the podium.” called the photographer and Steve jerked back at his words. He looked stunned at the photographer before his eyes landed on the group of kids standing at the podium staring at the printed photos before looking back down at you as you beamed up at him. You tapped his chest gently with your hand and he helped ease you back onto your feet. 

When the two of you walked over to the podium the kids were grinning at you as they handed the photos over to you and Steve. Looking down at the photos Steve could see that they printed small versions for everyone and then two large versions of the last photo that was taken. He smiled as he looked at the photo in his hand, it was perfect all the kids were beaming as he stood behind you with his lips pressing a kiss to your shocked but elated face. When he heard you giggle his eyes darted over to the photo that you held and it was quite a bit more chaotic than his. The two of you were kissing as Steve leaned on the edge of Santa’s chair while everyone including Santa stared at the two of you in various expressions of disgust and shock.

“I absolutely love it!” you said happily before leaning up on tiptoe and pressing a chaste kiss to Steve’s cheek causing him to blush furiously and the kids to all make gagging noises.

[august-grey]

i don't need your closure | chapter 13

read on ao3

masterpost

July 1986

This was it. This was how Alice was going to die. Not at the hands of evil Russians miles below a shopping mall or torn to shreds by one of the multitude of monsters that plagued her little town. No, she was going to go out in the passenger seat of he mother’s Volvo, knuckles white around the handle on the door, foot punched down the invisible brake pedal. 

Fighting the urge to squeeze her eyes shut, Alice contemplated the choices that led her to this moment. How had she gone from taking Dustin to an orthodontist appointment to fearing for her mortal wellbeing in a mostly empty strip-mall parking lot with her 15-year-old brother behind the wheel of their mother’s car? 

Alice looked over at the boy in question, his eyes wide and laser-focused on the pavement, and reminded herself why she was doing this. 

“So, I’m taking driver’s ed next year.” Dustin piped up from the passenger seat, his lisp a little more pronounced after getting his braces tightened.

“Oh yeah?” Dustin gave a grunt of affirmation. “Mr. Paulson still teaching that?”

“Uh-huh, I heard he’s brutal.” Alice nodded emphatically. That was putting it lightly. Dustin continued, “Lots of kids…they’re getting practice over the summer…just to get a head start, y’know? Mike’s and Lucas’ dads have taken them out a bunch. Mike’s even been on a real road already.”

“That’s not a bad idea, extra practice would definitely help. Paulson flunked me twice before I finally got my license. Just never really got a chance to practice after dad left and everything. Has mom taken…” She trailed off, a sudden realization dawning on her. No. Of course mom hadn’t had the time to take Dustin out to drive. Their mother barely had time to take care of herself let alone teach her anxious children to maneuver a vehicle.

Not for the first time, Alice found herself cursing her father. Don’t get her wrong, Alice was glad that her parents were divorced. Michael was a piece of shit who didn’t deserve anything her mother had to offer. She’d always known that her mother was too good for that sorry excuse of a human. Alice just wished he had found a scrap of humanity before abandoning his family, leaving them with nothing but a forwarding address and a promise to see his children at Christmas.

Alice hadn’t been surprised in the slightest when Christmas came and went without even a phone call, but Dustin…Dustin had been heartbroken. For months afterward he waited for their father to simply return. To change his mind, realize that he had made a mistake and come home to his family. The brief phone calls from Michael yielded empty promises of going for ice cream or baseball games, leaving Dustin disappointed again and again as plans fell through. 

Anger festered inside Alice, finally bubbling over one day as she sat with her little brother as he watched the sky darken out their front window, waiting for their father’s car to pull into the driveway for a belated birthday visit. Dustin’s thirteenth birthday had been three weeks prior, and the bastard still couldn’t be bothered to even give his son this small gift.

Down the hall, Alice heard her mother leave yet another message for her ex-husband. He wasn’t coming, Alice had a feeling from the beginning. Knowing this didn’t make the situation any easier. A small shake of their mother’s head when she returned to the living room was all it took for Dustin’s resolve to crumple. Running into his mother’s arms, he buried his face into her chest, shoulders heaving with silent sobs. 

Alice needed to hit something. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. She wasn’t going to let her father get away with hurting her brother like that. Not again. While the rest of her family was distracted, Alice smuggled her mom’s car keys out of her purse and drove the three hours to their father’s new bachelor pad, stopping only to grab a birthday card from a random drug store. 

Michael could only stare at his daughter, open-mouthed, as she shoved the card into his hands, demanding he sign it for Dustin. He did so, hastily shoving a few twenties in the envelope for good measure. Then he had the gall to ask Alice how she was doing. Ignoring his question completely, Alice simply told her father to either make a real effort to have a relationship with his son or to leave them the hell alone. 

She couldn’t remember the half-excuse he had spluttered out as she left him in the doorway, but she did remember crying the entire ride home. She remembered the look on Dustin’s face as she pressed the card into his hands and being grounded for a week for disappearing with her mother’s car for seven hours on a school night. She remembered being the one to step up in her father’s place. Taking Dustin to school and to extracurriculars, helping her mother with home repairs, picking up extra chores around the house. 

And now, she supposed, she was going to have to teach her father’s youngest how to drive.

***

“Okay, now slowly—“ Dustin slammed the brakes at the edge of the lot, jolting Alice forward in her seat. She took a calming breath before gently correcting him as he turned the wheel, taking the car down the row of shopfronts. “Try to ease into the stops, Dusty. Gently press the brake as you’re coming up to the—oh Jesus.”

“Sorry, sorry!” He exclaimed, shifting the direction of the car after coming a little too close to the curb. “This is awful, how do you do this every day without feeling like you’re going do murder someone with this death-machine?”

“You just have to…I don’t know…give it time and you kinda become one with the death-machine?” Her brother shot her a quick, bewildered glance. “Does that make sense? It gets easier with practice, I promise. Just…try to relax.”

“That’s not going to happen.” He groaned miserably, braking a little too hard again in the back corner of the lot. Fumbling around the console in a panic, he flipped on the turn signal, then the windshield wipers. “At this rate I’ll never be comfortable behind the wheel and I’ll never get my license and...and— Alice, how do I put this stupid thing in park?!”

“Calm down, you’re fine.” She reached over, moving the shifter into park and turning off the ignition. As soon as he was able to release the brake, Dustin threw himself from the Volvo. Alice rolled her eyes at his dramatics and exited the vehicle herself. “You’re not going to be amazing right away, Dustin. It’s going to take time. We’ll go out more once I get my car back and you’ll be a pro by the end of the summer. Paulson won’t know what hit him.”

Dustin didn’t look convinced. He leaned against the hood of the yellow Volvo and buried his face in his hands. Alice felt a little out of her depth; she was usually the one freaking out in every situation. Her brother was normally overly confident in nearly everything he did. He’d thrown himself into countless dangerous situations without a second thought; seeing him freak out over driving of all things was disconcerting to say the least. 

“Are you hungry? We can stop for burgers or something?” Food. If there was anything that could distract Alice from an anxiety spiral, it was a good, greasy meal. Surely that would work on her brother, too.

He shook his head glumly, looking forlornly across the parking lot. “Nah, my mouth is still sore from the orthodontist.”

Alice sighed. She didn’t like it, but she had one last idea that could bring up his mood, even just for the moment. 

“You wanna stop in RadioShack before heading home?” That got his attention. Shooting Alice a Cheshire grin, Dustin took off across the pavement toward the electronics store.

She trailed behind him, shouting, “You have twenty minutes! Any longer and you’re walking home!”

***

RadioShack had been a mistake. Sweat dripped down her neck as Alice glanced down at her watch; Dustin had been in the shop for nearly 45 minutes and she was slowly losing her mind. By the time she popped into the shop, Dustin had already been neck deep in whatever gadget he needed for his project of the week. 

Deciding she didn’t want to get roped into a one-sided conversation she couldn’t keep up with (she wasn’t feeling that generous), Alice picked up a small pack of batteries for her Walkman and left her brother muttering to himself over a display of tiny voice recorders. 

Five minutes. She’d give Dustin five more minutes and then she’d go in there and physically drag him out if she needed to. The midday sun emerged from behind a cloud, shining through the windshield and effectively blinding Alice. Make that two minutes.

“Alice?” Jumping at the sound of her name, Alice scanned the parking lot for a familiar face. The lot had become considerably more full than it was during Dustin’s impromptu driving lesson, but it didn’t take long to find the source of the voice before they flung themselves halfway through Alice’s open window, obscuring her vision with a mop of messy brown hair.

“Jesus, Robin, back up would ya?” Alice grasped her assailant by the shoulders and gently shoved her out of her personal bubble. Robin dropped to a crouch next to the car, so she was level with the open window, eyes wide and panicked.

“Thank god you’re here. Wait…why are you here? Y’know what nevermind, I’m in a crisis and I need you to talk me down.” 

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Reaching for the handle of door, Alice gave the seemingly innocuous plaza a once over, searching for anything out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous. Robin rested a hand on her arm, drawing Alice’s attention back to her.

“No, no. Nothing like that.” Robin took a deep breath, opened her mouth to speak again, and…stopped. Alice furrowed her brow and waited for the girl to speak. After a few long moments of silence, Alice gestured impatiently for Robin to continue. 

“I’ve been invited to a party.” She finally blurted out, expectantly looking to Alice for advice. 

“Okay.”

“By a girl.”

“Okay?”

“A specific girl.”

“…okay?”

“…a specific redheaded clarinetist with incredible taste in movies.”

“Oh! Oh my god, okay! When did this happen?”

“Just now, in the Rite-Aid tampon isle.” Robin stated miserably, popping up from her position by the door to pace the pavement. “So you see my problem, now!”

“Uh no, am I missing something?” Taking her chances with the angry July sun, Alice exited the blessed cover of the car as she watched her friend frantically pace the length of the adjacent parking space. “You like Vickie. This is good news, Robin!”

“No, Alice, this is an absolute nightmare!”  Robin stopped to run both of her hands through her hair, making her bangs stick up in perfectly odd angles to add to the slightly manic aura she was giving off. “Before this moment, Vickie had been purely a hypothetical. I could daydream all I want, but now, now…this is real life. She asked me to a party. And what’s going to happen, huh? I’m going to make a fool of myself and word vomit all over her and she’ll be horrified and I’ll be arrested for…for something. I’m sure I’ll deserve it at that point.”

Alice shook her head in disbelief. What was up with everyone today? First Dustin with his driving lesson, now Robin was having a complete meltdown on her watch. It was only a matter of time, she supposed, seeing as both Robin and Dusin had dealt with their fair share of Alice’s neuroticism. The least she could do was return the favor.

“Well, we can’t let that happen, can we? You’re not cut out for prison, no offence.” Alice stepped forward, reaching up to smooth Robin’s hair back to its normal state of messiness. Once she was satisfied, Alice settled her hands on the taller girl’s shoulders. “You just need backup, a wingman. We can make it a group thing. You, me, and Vickie.”

“That’s not a group, that’s you getting drunk and awkwardly chaperoning me like some sort of messed up, regency-era courting ritual, all while I desperately try not to make a fool of myself in front of a cute girl.” Robin mumbled through pursed lips. Though Robin wasn’t wrong, Alice didn’t exactly enjoy being reduced to nothing more than a bumbling overseer. As much as she wanted to help Robin, third-wheeling all night wasn’t necessarily Alice’s idea of a good time. 

She had an idea; whether it was a good one or not was the nagging question in the back of her mind. Briefly, Alice considered the last disastrous party she’s attended in Hawkins. It had been the precursor to what was possibly the worst night of her life, if you don’t take all of the the literal horrors and death she’d experienced over the past few years into account.

The night she was sure she’d lost her best friend. For good.

It’s different now, she reasoned with herself. She and Steve were on good terms; well on their way to friendship again. And though she didn’t yet have the full story of what had happened that night…or what had led to it, Alice could at least hope it wouldn’t happen again. There was only one way to find out, she supposed.

“I can, uh, askstevetogo.” Alice mumbled, half-heartedly tossing out the thought before she could stop herself. It wasn’t as if she was looking for an excuse to see him or anything, it just made sense. They are all friends. Friends go to parties together. As friends. “Then it’ll be a real group. Make things less weird, y’know?”

Robin’s eyebrows disappeared into her bangs as she shimmied out of Alice’s grip. “Oh, no, no. You can’t just say something like that and not elaborate. Did you and Steve make up?”

“Kinda? We’re…talking. It’s not a big deal.”  Robin seemed unimpressed, to say the least. Alice knew the girl wasn’t going to let her get away with that bullshit answer, and with a sigh, launched into an abridged version of what had happened with Sudsy. How she and Steve had ended up babysitting together, how Alice had emotionally blown up and confronted him, and then the subsequent, tentative makeup.

Obviously, making up with Steve was, in fact, a big deal to Alice. The past week had been the happiest she’d felt in months, and as much as she hated to admit it, that had a lot to do with Steve Harrington. True to his word, Steve hadn’t pressured Alice into anything since their conversation the previous weekend. To no one’s surprise, especially Alice’s, it took less than a day before she found herself eager to see him again. 

So, after harassing Dustin for Steve’s new phone number, she called him. He sounded pleased, but genuinely surprised to hear from her so soon. The palpable fondness in his voice combined with the itch to be within arms reach of him again, was how she found herself inviting Steve to take a walk with her. 

For safety purposes, of course. 

You see, Alice had a new client. A big, goofy Great Dane, who needed to be walked while her human worked overnights. Normally Alice wouldn’t think twice before declining the job; she and the dark didn’t really get along after everything she had been through. But this particular client had offered double her regular fee just to feed the dog dinner and take her on a quick walk before bed.

Alice couldn’t refuse the easy money, but that still left the problem of having to be outside. In the dark. Alone. She sucked it up the first night, walked the half-mile to the clients house, took the pup around the block while her nerves spiked, and finally ended up sprinting home after making sure the dog was safely in bed, the plan to call Steve already on her mind.  

As she predicted, he eagerly agreed to accompany her the next night. And then the next, and the next…until they fell into an easy, somewhat familiar, routine. Steve would pick her up at 8:30 on the dot, they’d take care of the dog, and then just sit and talk until Steve had to get himself to bed for work the next day. Sometimes Dustin would join them, if he wasn’t off galavanting with his Dungeons and Dragons club or messing with machines in his bedroom. But, mostly, it was just the two of them.

He followed her lead at every turn. Never pushing for anything more than what Alice was comfortable with giving, keeping a respectable distance. Alice, on the other hand, was having an incredibly hard time sticking to her own boundaries. Despite her reservations, Alice physically couldn’t keep herself away from Steve. It was like that night babysitting Holly had broke open a dam in Alice’s brain. 

Steve Harrington loved her. 

Just the thought alone was hard for Alice to wrap her mind around. Truthfully, she was scared. Hell, Alice was terrified. And still justifiably angry on top of it all. Months of convincing herself to turn her hurt into hate couldn’t be washed away so easily. No matter how badly she wanted to believe that Steve was truly repentant and wanted to make things right with her, Alice couldn’t shake the feeling that although everything between them was going well now didn’t necessarily mean it wouldn’t go to shit just as quickly. 

But in spite of it all, it was just so easy to fall back into an familiar rapor with her former best friend. It was a more than little unnerving how effortlessly Steve had fit back into her life and, even moreso, how badly she wanted him to stay there.

***

“So, yeah. We’re talking. That’s it.”

“Oh my god.”

“I know.”

“Steve’s in love with you.”

“Apparently.”

“You’re in love with Steve?”

“I…yeah. I guess am.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I have no idea.”

“Shit, Alice.”

Alice couldn’t agree more; shit.

***

Alice’s mother dropped her off at Robin’s house a full two hours early, at the younger girl’s request. Well…it sounded more like a panicked demand over the phone than a polite request, but Alice was willing to overlook that tiny detail. Either way, she was grateful for an excuse after Claudia had offered to drive the girls to the party itself. As much as she loved and appreciated her mom, that simply wouldn’t do.

“No, seriously, it’s okay, Mom!” Alice attempted to dissuade her mother. “It’s only a ten minute walk from Robin’s. You don’t want to drive all the way back out here in just to drive us less than a mile up the road.”

Reluctantly, Claudia agreed that the girls could take care of themselves, and left Alice and her overnight bag at Robin’s. She waited until her daughter was safely inside before waving and backing out of the driveway. 

In the time it took for Alice to arrive, Robin’s bedroom had descended into absolute chaos. Ninety percent of the time they had before the party was spent digging through the chaos that was Robin’s wardrobe, piecing together the perfectly casual, but not too casual because “then what if Vickie thinks I’m a slob! Don’t give me that look, you’re just as much a mess as I am,” outfit.

The other ten percent was taken up by relentless, teasing back-and-forth from both girls. It had started off with Alice clearly having the upperhand; gently mocking her friend as she tried on article after article of clothing. Alice was quite enjoying herself. That is, until it came time to talk to Steve about the party.

 In the end, it had been Robin who had called to recruit Steve as a secondary wingman and a ride home. It was stupid. The phone had been in Alice’s hand, she had dialed his number. His new number. The one for his fancy, independent, adult apartment. The first ring in her ear sent her stomach fluttering and her heart pounding, resulting in the phone being flung into a bewildered Robin’s hands.

Cooly recovering from Alice’s sudden panic, Robin had managed to convince Steve to meet them at the party. Alice hovered over her shoulder, ears straining to hear the other side of the conversation and chewing her pinky nail down to the nub. 

What was wrong with her? Alice chastised herself. She’d spoken to Steve on the phone quite literally hundreds of times. At least thrice that week alone. 

Inviting him to a party, though, somehow felt too much like she was back in middle school asking Matthew Miller to the Snowball, only to spend the night sulking on the bleachers after being stood up.

So, in true middle school fashion, it only made sense that she make her friend ask Steve, instead. Not that she thought Steve would stand her up. Because it wasn’t like this was a date or anything. This was merely a group outing with a couple of pals.

She’d never hear the end of it from Robin. 

***

The party itself was a docile thing, despite being packed with a couple dozen band nerds. The music was decent and the drinks were surprisingly good for a questionable concoction thrown together by a teenager. 

Robin zeroed in on Vickie the second they stepped through the door. When the redhead greeted both girls with a hug, Alice was impressed by how quickly Robin recovered from the close contact. 

As the night went on, much to Alice’s delight, it seemed that Robin’s initial apprehensions about the party were proving to be completely unnecessary. And though she was having a good time and was always glad to spend time with Robin, it really seemed like Alice’s presence was barely needed. 

It may have been the effervescent lighting on the dance floor or maybe the faint buzz of alcohol in her system, but Alice could swear Robin practically radiating confidence as she danced with the girls she had been pining over for months. Ever the dutiful friend, Alice swayed to the music with them, overthinking about what the correct amount of respectable distance would be. Not so close to the couple that she was invading their bubble, but not too far away to be unable to participate in conversation or miss any distress signals from Robin. 

Luckily for her, after some subtle comments from Robin, followed by a not-so-subtle elbow to the ribs, Alice finally took the hint and excused herself. She counted this as a victory in staying firmly in wingman territory. There would be no outdated chaperoning tonight. 

Not quite sure what to do with herself after leaving the one person in the house she actually felt comfortable spending time with, Alice wandered through the festivities, stopping to chit chat with old classmates every so often. She certainly wasn’t looking for Steve. Not really. Was she disappointed he wasn’t there yet? Maybe, but mostly Alice just felt overwhelmed without someone to anchor her. 

In the end she parked herself on a couch in the den, only returning to the party proper to replenish her drink. It was quieter in there, and much less crowded than the main living areas. There were a few people playing scrabble at a card table in the middle of the room as movie played softly in the corner, a couple boys sprawled out on a rug in front of the the television, watching intently. This was definitely more her speed tonight. 

Unfortunately, despite being a refuge from the chaos, this was also how Alice found herself three and a half drinks deep, getting her ear talked off by goddamn Matthew Miller. Yes, that Matthew Miller. She had cursed herself by thinking of him earlier. It seemed Matthew had conveniently forgotten his eighth grade indiscretions. Sadly for him, Alice was excellent at holding a grudge, even through the pleasant, fuzzy haze of drunkenness. 

“Anyway, you’d be surprised by the kind of stuff you could get away with in college. No one cares, Henderson, you could do whatever you want.” Matthew had his arm stretched across the back of the couch, fingers lingering dangerously close to Alice’s shoulder. She clenched her plastic cup in her hand and stared straight ahead, willing someone, anyone, to save her from this conversation. Where the hell was Robin when she needed her? “And the girls, man. They’re nothing like high school chicks; everyone is just so open minded, y’know?”

“Mmhm.”

“Most of the them are just there looking for husbands, anyway, so it’s easier. That’s what Trevor says, anyway. You remember Trevor, right? He was french horn in high school, but we were roommates last semester, too. Anyway, it’s true though. These girls are just looking for someone to settle down and have babies with.”

Okay, that was quite enough of that. Alice threw the rest of her drink back, grimaced and finally turned toward Matthew with a withering scowl, preparing to lay into his insufferable, sexist ideas about women as a whole.

“First of all, you misogynistic prick, that’s—oh! ” Alice’s speech was slightly slurred, but not enough to hide the venom behind her words. Words that were all too suddenly cut off by the aforementioned prick making a bee-line for Alice’s lips, his eyes closed and mouth horrifyingly open. She threw herself backward into the arm of the couch at the last second, simultaneously pushing Matthew back into the cushions opposite her. “Oh, no thank you!”

The boy was clearly taken aback, or at the very least, not used to being turned down. “Are you sure? I thought we were having a moment!”

“What part of... of that ‘conversation’” Alice emphasized the word with some sloppy air quotes. “Made you think we were having a moment?! I might be drunk, but I’m not, like, random, regrettable hookup drunk, Trevor.”

“Matthew.” The boy corrected her with a glare. With practiced ease, he shifted his face into cool disinterest before plucking Alice’s empty cup from her hand. “I’m going to get us a refill. Maybe you’ll be a little nicer when I get back.”

Frowning deeply at his retreating back, Alice knew this was her chance to make a hasty departure. She just needed to get up. Which was easy, so easy. Or at least it would have been two drinks ago. The liquor had settled into her limbs, weighing her down like sandbags. It was fine, though. She just needed to flag down Robin to pull her out of the quicksand-like cushions that were sucking her deeper and deeper into the couch with every passing minute.

But where was Robin? Alice squinted her eyes, trying to find a familiar face in the crowd through the open doorway, but failed to spot either of the girls she’d been with earlier. This was also fine, surely someone had to know where they had disappeared off to. Triumph shot through Alice as she successfully caught the eye of a friendly face. She beaconed the familiar, fluffy-haired girl over.

“Kate. Kate listen, where is Robin?” 

“Hey Alice, you good?” Kate smiled down at her, amusement glinting in her eyes, before helpfully taking a quick look around the room. “I don’t really know, I’m sorry. I think she and Vickie were in the kitchen earlier, do you want me to go check?”

“You’re an angel, Kate, truly. A tumpeteer from the heavens.” The words tumbled from Alice’s mouth without filter. The lack of control should have mortified Alice, but she was well past the point of actually caring. Kate just chuckled, patted Alice on the head like a puppy, and made for the kitchen. 

No sooner did Alice’s ally disappear through one doorway, did her adversary emerge through another, a fresh plastic cup clutched in each hand. 

Shit. The time for games was over. Gathering every speck of willpower she possessed, Alice pushed herself up from the cavernous couch. Bad idea. Awful idea. She clutched the arm of the couch as the room moved around her, swaying and spinning like a carnival ride. Her stomach churned slightly. Don’t puke, don’t puke, don’t puke.

A hand appeared on her arm, steadying her. Instinctively, she swatted it away. Unfortunately, the sudden movement tipped Alice off balance just enough to send her falling back into the accursed couch. She glared up at her assailant, ready to lay into Matthew about touching her without consent. Oh. Not Matthew, then.

Steve, her knight in shining polo, loomed over her with bemusement etched into his features. A flash of annoyance coursed through her; where had he been an hour ago, before her night had started to go downhill? However, the feeling was quickly overshadowed by dread when she caught Matthew’s garish, caution-sign yellow t-shirt from the corner of her eye.

“Listen, I’m sorry I’m late, but you’re not going to believe the breakthrough I’ve had with Gladys—“

“Sit down,” she whispered to Steve, cutting him off as Matthew drew ever closer. Without a second thought, Steve slid into the seat next to Alice, side-eyeing the approaching figure. Alice clutched his arm, pulling him close like a human shield, as if she could camouflage herself with Steve’s considerably larger stature. “Pretend you’re talking to me.”

“Pretend to—we were talking, Alice. Until you rudely interrupted me.” Alice laughed loudly, tossing her head in the direction of where Matthew awkwardly hovered nearby, his shins bumping on the corner of the crowded coffee table. Steve snuck a peek, taking in the boy fumbling with the red cups in his hands, and nodded to signify he understood the situation. 

“Ah, I see. Okay, what angle are we going with here? The usual?” 

“Nuh uh, our moms work together. Dead grandma isn’t going to work.”

“What about my dead grandma?”

“Maybe. Can you even pull that off?”

“You underestimate me, Henderson.” Alice bit back a smirk as Steve took the challenge to heart. Without any sort of preamble he turned and pressed his forehead into her shoulder. Sliding his hand into hers, he gripped her fingers tightly and put in his best effort into looking the part of a grief-stricken man.

Alice froze.

For the first time, Alice was thankful for the alcohol that dulled her senses. Her heart fluttered as she tried not to think about the way his breath felt on her neck as he buried his face into her shoulder. Or the way the hard plane of his torso pressed into her own, or how it nearly took her breath away. 

Alice took a second to compose herself. You’re a goddamn professional, she scolded herself. This was a tried and true act, one that she and Steve had played out at least half a dozen times before to get out many an awkward encounter, though it was usually her amping up the dramatics. The proximity meant nothing, and Alice had better remember that. After all, it wasn’t as if they’d never been that close before. Closer, she recalled, heat pooling in her stomach. 

It had just been so long. 

But she could think about that later. Instead of lingering on feeling the heat of his skin on her body, she focused on the performance at hand. 

“What’s wrong with him?” Matthew finally piped up after what felt like an eternity of fake-comforting Steve as he fake-cried into the light cardigan she’d thrown over her tank top earlier in the evening. Alice glowered at him incredulously as she rubbed a comforting hand up and down Steves back. He was good, maybe too good. A wicked thought crossed her mind. Lets see how well he could do with this one.

“Shh, his guinea pig just died.” She hissed. Steve stiffened a bit, thrown off by Alice’s plot twist. She bit the inside of her cheek, keeping cool. “Show a little respect, Miller.”

“Damn, Harrington, I’m sorry man. Here,” Matthew deposited both cups of god-knows-what concoction, on the table before them.  “Have a drink for…for—“

“Henrietta.” Alice supplied, helpfully. 

“For Henrietta.” Matthew nodded and clapped Steve on the shoulder before hurrying away as quickly as his feet could take him. Once he was safely out of sight, Alice couldn’t hold back the peals of laughter. Steve took the moment to collect himself, smoothing back his hair and wiping the non-existent tears from his face. 

“Guinea pig?” Steve spluttered, shaking his head in disbelief. 

She shrugged helplessly. “You were so convincing, though, Steve! Why didn’t you ever try out for the school plays? We never had enough boys, they would have eaten you up.”

“Just another one of my many unrealized talents. Come on, lets go find the lovebirds. They’re around here somewhere.” He chuckled, rising from his seat. Offering a hand to Alice, he pulled her up with minimal effort. She felt steady enough on her feet to follow him through the house, but not before swiping her drink from the coffee table. 

 ***

“And then! After giving me all this bullshit about how these college girls are all so eager to throw themselves at him, he decides its a perfect time to go for it. Mouth. Wide. Open.”

“Please, tell me you’re kidding.” Robin and Vickie sat shoulder-to-shoulder on one of the few lounge chairs scattered across the backyard, twin expressions of disgust etched across their faces. Alice was sprawled across the foot of a shared lounge chair herself. Steve had somehow managed to fold himself onto a tight ball of limbs on the other half, leaving plenty of room for Alice to gesticulate wildly as she recounted every gory detail of her run-in with Matthew.

“I swear he like, unhinged his jaw or something.” Alice cackled, shifting her body to lean more of her weight onto Steve’s bent legs. At this point, she was sure he was the only thing keeping her upright. To his credit, he merely shifted to accommodate her, untangling himself slightly so that he could sprawl his legs out on either side of her. Alice took the opportunity to claim space of her own, scooting back to nestle her shoulder against his chest, while keeping her body angled to carry on her conversation. 

Sober Alice would have never, not in a million years. But drunk Alice was an entirely different story. She reveled in the easy way Steve slipped an arm around her waist, hooking his thumb through the belt loop on her hip. The action didn’t go unnoticed to the girl across from her, either. Robin caught Alice’s eye and gave a wink. Alice tried, and failed, to hide a grin. 

“Anyway, then Steve finally showed up, but Henrietta died and he started crying, which we all know is the ultimate boy repellent, so s’all good now.” 

“Wait, who’s Henrietta?” Vickie piped up, looking concerned by the mention of someone dying. 

“Steve’s guinea pig.” Alice yawned behind her hand, before resting her head on her folded knees. “But don’t worry, I’m not even a hundred percent sure she even existed.”

“She definitely never existed, you nerd.” Steve’s chest rumbled as he spoke, chuckling softly. 

The conversation drifted to movies and Alice’s altered state-of-mind had a hard time keeping up with titles and actors. Despite her lack of ability to make a mental contribution, Alice was overjoyed to see Robin so open and totally herself around Vickie. If anyone deserved to be in a happy relationship, it was Robin. Alice knew she couldn’t come close to understanding the nuances of being in Robin’s shoes, but she certainly knew the sting of unrequited love. 

Though, she supposed, her’s wasn’t really unrequited, now was it? Did it still count as unrequited if the feelings had actually been requited all along, but the other party had chosen to be an ass about them for the better part of a year instead of talking about said feelings? Either way, Alice felt a strong kinship with Robin in the whole romance department. 

Head swimming, Alice decided that last drink had been a bad idea. To her credit, she’d only drank half of it before a moment of clarity had her switching to bottled water, but it was enough to push her just a bit too far over her usual limit. Enough to completely disregard any and all inhibitions, but also, as it turned out, enough to make her very, very sleepy. 

The fourth time Alice’s head slipped from it’s perch, Steve let out a heavy sigh, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tighter into himself. Alice gave up trying to keep herself up and settled fully against his chest, letting her eyes drift shut. 

Everything about this was against Alice’s better judgement, and yet she couldn’t shake the feeling of how right it felt. The buttons of his shirt digging into her cheek, how his breath ruffled her hair as he dipped his head to whisper in her ear.

“Maybe it’s time to get you home, huh?” Alice’s eyes snapped open and forced herself upright. Absolutely not; there was no way she was about to cut Robin’s night short because she got a little too drunk and couldn’t keep her eyes open. 

“Nope, can’t go home.” She mumbled sleepily, pulling the front of her cardigan to wrap around her body a bit tighter to ward off the chilly night air.

“…why not?”

“Two reasons Stephen,” Alice held up a lazy finger, ticking off the first. “Number one; look at Robin.”

Steve grumbled but did as he was told, fixing his gaze on Robin, who was now visibly uncomfortable with the sudden attention Alice brought to her.

“When was the last time you saw Robin have a good time at a party?”

“I have tons of fun at parties all the time, Alice!” Robin protested from her chair. 

“Exactly. I’m not going to make her leave a nice time just so she could lay in bed listening to me snore all night.”

“I can take Robin home later.” Vickie nervously interjected, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. “If that’s what you want, I mean. No pressure, it’s just…I’m having a nice time too.”

Robin visibly lit up at the prospect of actual Alone Time with her long-term crush. She nodded enthusiastically, a blush creeping up her neck. Alice flashed her what she hoped was a subtle thumbs up, which in hindsight was maybe a bit too subtle even for its intended recipient. Embarrassed, she tucked her hand back into her sweater.

“Oh, perfect. That problem was solved…quickly. Anyway, third of—“

“Second?”

“Second of all…I can’t go home drunk. My mom will cry and it’ll lead Dustin down a…a dark path of drugs and alcohol. You guys know the kid, there very impressionable at that age.” 

“That doesn’t seem likely.”

“You don’t know that. I just…I don’t like them seeing me like this. So I can…I’ll sleep it off on this lawn chair, I guess. If you don’t mind scooting…” She leaned forward as far as she could, giving Steve a chance to get up. He swung his long legs over the side of the lounge and hesitated, a brief flash of inner conflict crossed his face as he considered something.

“Or…”

“Or?”

“Or I can take you back to my place and you can sober up there.”

Alice clapped a hand over her speeding heart, face heating to what was sure sure to be a low-grade fever. What was this kid playing at? 

“Mr. Harrington, I think we’ve established I’m not that kind of girl!” She managed to choke out after her pulse calmed. 

“Jesus Christ, Alice, not like that!” He spluttered, taking a few steps back as though to put some distance between himself and Alice. Robin dissolved into a fit of mad laughter, completely ignoring the icy glare Steve shot in her direction. He placed his hands on his hips, looking absolutely exasperated by both girls. “I just figured my couch would be a hell of a lot more comfortable than a hard plastic chair, but if that’s what you’d prefer then by all means—“

“No, no! That’s…that’s actually super nice of you, Steve.” Alice tried to recover, feeling a small pang of guilt through the alcohol. She had misunderstood, of course Steve was just trying to help. That’s just what they did; they took care of each other. 

“Listen, don’t feel obligated or anything, it was just a suggestion. I can just as easily let you sleep right here, or take you to Robin’s, or to back to your house to corrupt Dustin. Just wanted you to have options, is all.” Steve rambled as Alice leant over to fish her purse from underneath the lounge. Stumbling clumsily to her feet, she looped her arm around Steve’s to regain some balance.

“Do you have snacks?”

“Ok, I’ve changed my mind. You’re not allowed in my home.” 

“Can we stop somewhere to get snacks?”

“Will you behave yourself if I say yes?”

“I can’t make any promises.”