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thewulf · 3 months

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Treat You Better || Steve Harrington

Summary: Request - Steve Harrington x Reader based on Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes😩 I used to LOVE that song when i was younger, and now it just reminds me of my boy stevee💙

A/N: Loved writing these even though men suck (sometimes!!). Thank you for the request @marennnx. This is a 3x1 - or the three times your boyfriend treated you like crap and the one time he did something about it!

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Female Reader

Word Count: 3.7k +

T/W: Dismissive boyfriend, absent boyfriend, gaslighting

Steve Harrington had been a constant in your life as you grew up in the small town of Hawkins. You’d moved in next to the Harrington’s when you were just six and became fast friends with the neighbor boy, Steve. The two of you became fast friends as there was no other six- or seven-years old’s in the neighborhood close to you. You’d quite literally been there for each and every single first for the other. You’d learned and grew through life with Steve right by your side.

For the first time in your lives things got a little strained when he started dating Nancy. Not that you didn’t like her, she was lovely. It’s that Steve did that stereotypical thing and kind of forgot about you for a while. Tired of being bored around your house you too started going out and doing things with your other friends. It was fun, you enjoyed yourself. You still wished you were doing it all with Steve though.

Then you met Derek. You’d seen him around Hawkins High but never actually met. Not until the summer Steve had ditched you. That was almost a year ago now. Steve and Nancy had long since broken up. You and Derek were still hanging on, albeit by a thread, as all of you were heading into your junior year. It dawned on you that you were going to have to start looking at school soon if you really wanted to get the hell out of Hawkins like you and Steve always talked about.

Things never really got back to normal between you and Steve after it was all settled. The two of you talked and hung out more but you attention usually went towards trying to save the failing relationship between you and Derek. You were truly miserable, but you didn’t let a soul know, not even you mom who you usually told everything. It was almost embarrassing admitting it at this point with how much you’d been faking your happiness. Derek also didn’t like you hanging around with Steve. He was jealous of course so you tried to keep it to a minimum or as hush hush as you could.

That was how you got to the semi-awkward place between you and your best friend. The two of you stealing longing glances but neither having the courage to broach the growing tension between the two of you.

The Bonfire

It was the Friday before school started the next Monday. You’d arrived with Derek, pulling him along to find some seats. It was the annual class tradition since you’d been in eighth grade to have a class wide bonfire before school actually began again. You, of course, had to drag your reluctant boyfriend along with you to the event. That should’ve given you the wherewithal to understand where his attitude would be for the night.

But you ignored it as best as you could. Press on and have fun. Don’t let the stupid boy ruin your fun night. You knew you were pushing it when you found some seats next to Steve. When you stopped in front of him your boyfriend groaned in annoyance. Ignoring him you turned to Steve, “These seats taken?”

He shook his head quickly with a small smile on his face. It wasn’t usual for you to come around let alone with your shit head of a boyfriend in tow. He was missing you more than you even knew. He knew he messed up by nearly dropping you for Nancy completely a year ago. This was his karma, and he was taking it.

He shook his head, “Nope.”

“Come on babe, let’s go get some drinks.” He tried tugging at your hand this time, but you just shook your head instead.

“I’m going to stay here and catch up with Steve. I’ll take a drink though when you make it back over.” You gave him a sweet smile though you knew it was no use. He was already pissed, and you surely pissed him off even further by not doing what he wanted. Steve just looked between the two of you before he grumbled something incoherent and walked off.

“He’s a real charmer, that one is.” Steve knew he probably shouldn’t have said that, but he was growing tired of your boyfriends attitude. He didn’t understand how you could put up with it. You were such a light, happy

You gave your friend a soft smile, “He just didn’t feel like coming out tonight. Cut him some slack.” You knew Steve was at his wits end with him. Your family was too. Nobody seemed to like him but you. And you didn’t even really like him all that well. The solution seemed all too clear, but you still didn’t want to give it up just yet. Derek was your first real relationship. The first guy you said ‘I love you’ too even if he wasn’t the first guy you loved.

“You cut him a lot of that, Y/N.” He spoke freely seeing that Derek was still far away at the drinks table. Even though you asked for a drink you had a feeling he wouldn’t make you one. He’d forget or just not do it as some sort of punishment. That wasn’t love. That was manipulation. You felt that all too familiar sinking feeling growing in your stomach as you thought about your situation.

You looked down feeling the weight of his eyes on you, “I know.

He waited a moment seeing the despondent look on your face, “Hey,” He waited to continue until you looked back up to him. When you finally found the courage he continued, “You just deserve so much more than that. Somebody who wants to be with you…”

You shook your head stopping him, “That person doesn’t exist here. So, I’ll just enjoy what I can. Alright?” Your voice snapped at his ever so slightly telling him you were done talking about it.

He knew he shouldn’t have pressed, but you were his very best friend. He cared for you. Wanted the best for you. Loved you so dearly. He hated to see you treated less than how you deserved, “That’s just not true Y/N.”

“Steve.” Your eyes told him to drop it. There was a reason you didn’t tell or show your friends or family about that side of him. It made it pretty obvious how shitty he actually was.

He gave you a quick nod before leaning back in his seat, “Just think about it. Please?” There was a pleading look in his eyes that made you nod in agreement.

“Yeah, I will.”

He stood up from his seat seeing your boyfriend walk back without a drink for you, “I’ll see you around. Remember what I said.” He gave your boyfriend a sharp look before heading to the drink table deciding to get you a drink since your boyfriend had no interest. Steve decided he would show you that somebody did in fact want to treat you right.

The Football Game

You’d messed up and forgot to swap your light jacket for your heavier coat before heading out for the game. It was fine at first, but the temperature was dropping quick. As soon as the sun set behind the bleachers and the Hawking High football game started you began shivering. You tried cozying up to your boyfriend who was none the wiser of your chilly predicament. But he just shrugged you off.

“Babe.” You whined feeling another shiver ripple down your spine. It was getting cold, cold and you were not prepared.

“Shh, Y/N. I told you not to interrupt when they’re playing. I’ve got to watch Josh.” He grumbled pushing you off him. His brother, Josh, was the star wide receiver of the team and he had to watch everything live to report back to his brother. It made you roll your eyes week in and week out. Derek wasn’t good enough to play varsity, but his older brother was. You’d found it a little weird how much he lived through his older brother when it came to football.

Your mouth clamored back and forth, “But I’m cold Der.” It came out whinier than you intended which surely irritated the man further. How dare you inconvenience him when he needed to pay attention.

He sighed, “I told you to put a coat on. Go get a hot chocolate or something.” He didn’t take his eyes off the game and his voice was audibly annoyed with your presence.

“Whatever.” You rolled your eyes in return before heading off to the concession stands. Walking was good. It got your blood flowing. You needed to move to warm up anyway. It’s not like Derek would even throw and arm around you to warm you up.

You were so focused on walking to get your blood flowing you hadn’t even seen that you zoomed right past Steve who decided to follow you out of curiosity. When he saw you shivering and rubbing your hands back and forth to get some heat to them he had enough, “What are you doing out here in just a jacket?” He shrugged off his overly warm coat and handed it to you.

You shook your head in a hurry, “You’ll get cold Steve.”

“I’m fine. You’re not. Take the damn coat.” He shoved it further into your hands not giving you another chance to argue. When you slipped it on the audible sigh that left your mouth made him crack a small smile even though he was awfully worried about you being out in nearly freezing temperatures with a jacket made for the fall.

“Thank you.” You nodded up to him, “I forgot my coat. Derek told me to get a hot chocolate to warm up.” You laughed it off knowing how bad it sounded. Because it was bad. He was terrible. Derek might not have even liked you. Why were you even with him at this point?

Steve’s smile downturned at your comment. He’d made it quite evident how much he didn’t enjoy your boyfriend or his presence, “Some boyfriend he is.” He grumbled knowing it was likely going to set you off. You’d been more than defensive about your relationship. You’d always been like this, but it broke him seeing you so seemingly stuck in a loop. You wanted everything to look perfect, but it wasn’t. But you couldn’t admit it because then you’d have to admit it wasn’t perfect. A loop that he couldn’t pull you out of.

“Steve.” You sighed but knew it was a lost cause, especially because you were wrapped up in his coat. You couldn’t really defend the guy that much anymore. It felt so insulting because the entire relationship seemingly fell apart so quickly, right under your nose. Things were fun in the beginning. The two of you got along well and laughed at a lot of different things. But then it turned sour a few months ago, right after Nancy and Steve broke up. It’s not like anything changed for you. But apparently it did for him. It’s like he was pushing you right into Steve’s arms and you were pretty sure you’d be just fine with that.

He put his hands up in defense, “You know what I’m going to tell you.”

You sighed, “I know. I’m thinking about it. I promise.”

He nodded, “Keep the coat tonight. Drop it off whenever. Take care of yourself okay? Anytime you want to talk I’m all ears. I miss you.”

The floor was suddenly far more interesting than his face. You felt bad that you had in fact been avoiding him like he had you early on in his relationship, “Yeah, I miss you too. I’ll stop by more often. Promise.”

He grinned seeing you look back up to him, “That’s two promises I’m going to hold you too.”

You laughed for the first time that night. Curious it came at the mouth of Steve rather than your boyfriend. Your heart tugged as the two of you joked around like old times without your know-it-all boyfriend there to ruin the moment. You knew the relationship with Derek was doomed when you wanted to follow Steve back to his seat rather than head back to your boyfriend. But you had appearances to keep up. So back to Derek you walked.

Biology Class

“Alright class settle down. Today is the day you’ve all been waiting for. We’ll be dissecting pig hearts!” Your overenthusiastic Biology teacher stood in front of the curious junior class who had a big mix of emotions. Some were thrilled, that was Derek sitting next to you and Steve a row in front of you with his lab partner. Some were not so thrilled, you.

When the teacher set the heart down in front of you, you let out a big breath moving your chair away. Derek just started laughing like a little kid seeing your reaction to the dead pigs heart in front of you. Shooting him daggers you simply covered your mouth and nose with your hand trying your best not to throw up all over the desk in front of you.

When Derek started cutting you thought you might actually puke. The smell alone was starting to send you over the edge, “I don’t think I can do this.” You mumbled scooting even further away. Taking a quick peak around the room you were surprised almost everyone seemed just fine. Seemingly you only had the weak stomach in this class. You didn’t notice Steve’s eyes watching you with caution. He knew you well and knew this would be a unique kind of challenge for you.

“Ahh, grow up would you Y/N?” Derek rolled his eyes before returning to cut away, “Just plug your nose up if it’s that big of a deal.”

You huffed in annoyance at his complete lack of care, “I’m already doing that Derek.” It was sharper than you intended which of course set him off.

“You’re being a baby about it. Grow up.” He snapped back full out ignoring the look on your face. It was becoming harder and harder to fake your happiness. Especially when he treated you like you were nothing but a nuisance to him. Did he even like you? Why did he want to spend time with you if all he did was get annoyed with you? When was the last time you’d genuinely been happy with him? It’d been months. Months since the last time you giggled with him or smiled from a conversation.

You stood from you seat, “I’m getting some air.”

He just continued on, “Suit yourself.”

You stood quickly before letting the teacher know you needed to get some water. You walked to the water fountain down the hall trying your best not to break down right then and there. How did all this happen? How could you have let it all happen so quickly? When did he start to dip out on the relationship? Why wouldn’t he just breakup with you if he was this unhappy?

“Hey,” Steve’s sweet voice pulled you back into the present, “You okay?”

You nodded quickly trying your best to come off as cool as possible, “Yeah, was thirsty.”

He smiled, “It’s just me. You don’t have to lie.”

A frown formed from that. It was just Steve. Why did this all feel so weird and awkward and so far out of your control all the sudden? All you wanted to do was scream and beat on the wall in frustration of how you felt at the state of your life. But you knew better than that. Especially at school.

“I couldn’t take the smell.” You admitted to the boy who cared more to check up on you than the one who supposedly loved you sitting in the classroom. The more you thought of it the more Steve seemed to be the one who cared for you. And you knew he did. But with all that he had done for you and the lack thereof what Derek had made you realize how backwards it all was. You were meant to be with Steve not Derek. Steve cared. Steve loved you. Steve wanted you and put in the effort to be with you. And for some reason you still called Derek your boyfriend.

He grinned, “I knew it. I thought you looked squirrely in there.”

“You were watching?” You asked curiously.

“I’m always watching you.” His grin dropped as he realized how creepy that had sounded, “In a not weird way I promise!”

You laughed at his attempted recovery, “Thanks for checking in Steve.”

“I’m just keeping true to my promises. Speaking of which. How are yours coming along?” His smile grew into a smirk as he knew you were stalling. But that was his job as your best friend to keep pushing. That and he loved you. So, he’d decided it was his time to be selfish. He knew he could treat you better. So much better than that shit head you called a boyfriend.

“I’ve thought about what you said.”

You answer surprised him, “You have? And?”

“You’ll see. Soon.” You gave him a quick nod and smile before leading the two of you back to class. As much as Steve wanted to decipher that with you he knew better than to push too hard. That was more than you’d ever given him, so he was rolling with it for now.

After School The Next Day

You sat down on the bench in front of the High School in utter defeat. He had forgotten you. This truly was the last straw. Derek had promised he’d take you home knowing your car was in the shop this week and he forgot you. Steve was right. He didn’t give a rats ass about you. He only cared about himself. He only cared about you when it was convenient for himself. How had things unraveled so quickly? You couldn’t keep up this charade anymore. Not when he was up and leaving you places now.

When you heard the soft honk of the car in front of you your heart dropped seeing Steve’s car idling there. Fuck. Why him? He’d seen first-hand how shitty Derek had been treating you these last few weeks and this might actually set him off. Slowly, you walked over to his car. You slid into the front seat not daring to look at him. You just knew he was giving you that disappointed Steve look that only came to his face when Derek did something that should have been a red flag for you.

“You alright?” He asked after a moment of silence.

Closing your eyes you leaned back into the seat, “You’re right.”

“What about?” Steve asked as he pulled out of the school parking lot.

“About Derek. The whole thing. I deserve more.” A tear slipped out as you said it out loud for the first time. Sure, you’d thought about it in your head, but it was different spoken out and for Steve to hang onto.

He pulled over onto the side of the road, “Hey, it’s okay. I’m so glad you’ve realized it. He hadn’t been treating you well.” Steve hesitantly reached out and brushed away the stray tear which brought on an entirely new set of waterworks from his lighter than a feather touch.

He let you cry it out in the passenger’s seat of his car not uttering a word until he thought you could actually hear him, “I’m here for you. It’s okay. You’re okay.” He didn’t know his words only made you cry even further for you were mourning a relationship you never had. One where you thought you were in love, but it was just stupid teenage hormones. The one you loved was sitting right here comforting you beyond your wildest imagination.

You hiccupped after a moment of you unexpected breakdown. A wave of embarrassment washed over you as you realized how you had quite literally cried like a baby in front of Steve, “I’m so sorry Stevie.” You whispered breaking out the nickname only he let you use.

“Don’t apologize sweetheart.” He’d never called you that before. Shoot, he’d never really looked at you like this before. He looked at you like how you felt about him. Like he loved you.

“I didn’t mean too… I didn’t…”

He shook his head before pushing up the arm rest separating the two of you. He maneuvered his legs so you could slide over, “Shh, come here. It’s okay. I promise you that. I don’t break my promises, remember?”

You nodded before launching yourself into your best friend arms. You let him wrap you right on up as the car idled with the two of you suctioned together. He squeezed as he held you letting you know that he had no plans or intentions of letting you walk away again.

“Y/N?” He asked after minutes of the two of you just wrapped in the others embrace.

“Yeah?”

He took another second before letting out a long breath, “You remember how I said that somebody wants to treat you better? Somebody out there wants to be that person for you?” He asked with an unusual shakiness in his voice. Uncommon for the usually so confident Steve Harrington.

You hummed just enjoying being wrapped up in his arms. This didn’t happen that often anymore no matter how much you wanted to. You were with Derek. You couldn’t do that. But now? All bets were off, “Yeah, thank you for that.”

He nodded, “I can be that person. I can treat you better. If you’d let me that is.”

You sucked in a breath at his words, “You can?” Was this really happening?

“I can.”

You turned your eyes up to his with a bigger than life smile, “Okay.”

His scared eyes turned hopeful at the simplest of statements, “Okay?”

A quick nod before you turned your head into his chest, “Let’s do it. I love you already so?”

“You do?” His hopeful eyes turned from that of hope to shock right back to those lovey dovey ones he had on you days prior.

“I do.” You grinned feeling better than you had in a long time admitting that to him so freely. It shouldn’t be hard. This was about to be the best thing that you could’ve done for yourself. Who would’ve thought two crappy relationships was all the two of you needed to finally open your eyes to what was right in front of you.

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thewulf · 4 months

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That Was the Moment || Steve Harrington

Summary: Request - Stevie and reader. Kinda based off jayton and Jill by zane Williams. Basically it’s like a flashback, they are with all their friends and all of sudden dusty asks how they met. Everyone laughs ahah because it was like one day she became such a big part of their lives but they never got the back story... Read Rest Here

A/N: Ahh really enjoyed writing this one. Thank you so much for the request @loving-and-dreaming

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Y/N

Word Count: 3.7k +

TW: Talks of physical abuse, attempted sexual assault.

The last rays of the setting sun cast an orange glow over Hawkins. One of your favorite things about the summer sun in the Midwest of the United States. A few years ago you dreamed of escaping the tiny suffocating city you’d called home for your entire life. Your father was the local preacher who quite literally expected you to be somebody your entirely weren’t. You’d turned out to be the familial disappointment because you couldn’t stand putting on a show. You’d turned out far too buck wild for your overly conservative family that took the Bible far too literally. Almost every weekend resulted in you pissing off your father which in turn stressed your disgustingly passive mother out. He’d end up screaming some insufferable fucking Bible passage at you as you ran to whatever friend’s house would have you for the night.

But then you met Steve. He changed everything for you. No longer did you want to run away. You’d found your person so suddenly and out of the blue it struck you like no other. You never got along with you father, no. But you’d toned it down for everybody’s sake. It wasn’t possible to continue living with such hostility.

You felt a hand snake around your waist before pulling you close. Steve. Your guy. The one that had quite literally saved you from yourself. You’d know it from the way he smelled. Oh, so damn good.

“Sweetheart.” His lips lazily mumbled one of the many pet names he loved to use. You felt a chill run down your spine as his lips brushed over your forehead.

Your arms naturally wrapped right around him as he pulled you into him, “Hi Stevie.” You grinned into his chest. He just made you feel so safe and secure in his embrace. So loved and adored. Like nothing you’d ever experienced in your time here. Something you knew didn’t come around too often.

“Missed you.” He now had you fully wrapped in his embrace.

You couldn’t help but to smile at that. He was always so damn sweet to you. It’s been nearly two years since the two of you had started dating and he never cooled it. In fact he only seemed to get sweeter as your relationship grew into something serious.

“It’s only been a day Steve.” You giggled not giving a care in the world to the now older teenagers who decided to join the two of you outside. It was a summer tradition now for the last few summers, after everything happened. Joyce and Hopper had the group over for a bonfire the last weekend of August. A sort of way to wrap up the end of the summer. The kids, now teens, were heading into their senior year which blew your mind. As much as you wished these things could continue you knew the kids would move on and grow up. Look at them now.

He huffed pulled you back, “Too long lovie.” He planted a not-so-subtle kiss on your cheeks much to the chagrin of the kids.

“Could get a room or something.” Will grumbled turning away after earning a laugh from Robin who knew better than to say something. She’d gotten used to the affection the two of you loved to share with the other.

“Don’t worry Byers, already got one.” Steve flicked him off. You shook your head showing his arm lightly.

A bunch of groans erupted from the entire group not wanting to dive into that side of your lives, thankfully for you.

“Alright.” You laughed trying to turn the conversation around, “Let’s get this campfire setup before Hopper arrests us or something.” You looked over to El who was nodding eagerly.

“He will. Let’s get to work. It’ll spare us a lecture about how he only ever asks us to do one thing.” She pushed Mike down to where the logs were stored knowing the house like the back of her hand.

Once the campfire was roaring the sun had dipped into its final decent for the night leaving nothing but your group, the cracking fire and the moonlight illuminating the sky. Steve pulled you into his lap not taking no for an answer. He whispered into your ear when you tried to squirm away from him, “You’re heading back to college in a few days. Please let me hold you while I can?” And how could you resist that smile? You couldn’t. That’s how you ended up huddled onto his lap fighting sleep as he rubbed his hand up and down your arm.

You faintly heard the conversation from the group before hearing Dustin speak right to you, “How’d you two meet anyway?” Your eyes looked to him as he pointed between the two of you, “I’ve never heard the story. One day you were just there.” He scrunched his eyebrows as he tried to recall your story.

“I don’t think I’ve heard it either, care to share?” El asked, she too had taken residence on her boyfriend’s lap. A general consensus among the group arose before you turned back to Steve who was nodding along letting you know it was okay with him as long as you were okay with it. See, the two of you didn’t meet under the best of circumstances. You weren’t ashamed of how you met it just wasn’t super conventional so you never went out of your way to share the why.

You gave your boyfriend a quick grin before turning to the group feeling comfortable enough to share, “Sure. It wasn’t under the best circumstances.” You sighed remembering that dark fourth of July night two summers ago, “It all started with an argument between my father and I. He wouldn’t let me go see the out of town preachers son…”

Flashback to the Night You Met Steve

“Dad, come on! He’s already out-front waiting on me! What’s the big deal anyway? He’s your friends son!” You couldn’t believe it. You thought for sure it’d been easy yes, but you were sorely mistaken

He shook his head attempting to block the front door from you. Lucky for you, you’d already beaten him to the handle shimmying out the front door before he could really stop you

“So, help me God Y/N! You will be grounded for the rest of days if you do not get back here right now!” He bellowed as you ran down the front walkway ignoring his threat. You heard him yell something else incoherent before jumping into the truck of the boy who had invited you out, James or something. You didn’t really care. You just wanted out of the suffocating house under your fathers reign. You’d finally come to the realization that nothing would ever make him happy so you might as well start living your own life. Pissing him off one decision at a time.

“Let’s go!” You looked at him urgently wanting him to punch it.

“On it.” He smirked before taking off down the road. You sighed sinking back into the seat. You just wanted out of the damn house one way or another, not really thinking of the repercussions of your own decisions.

It started fun but ended in your worst nightmare. You were buzzing after a few beers provided by the boy whose name you’d already forgotten. He was cute enough. More of an excuse to get the hell away. So, when he hand started running up your thigh and you stopped him abruptly you could recognize that he wasn’t happy. No, you weren’t stupid. He presumed

“No.” You bit out as you scurried away from his touch.

He wasn’t far behind as he grabbed at your lacy sleeve, ripping it clean from your pretty Sunday dress. Oh boy, your mom wouldn’t be too happy with that, “What the fuck Y/N?” He nearly growled as he grabbed at your wrist. That would leave marks you thought as he clamped down not letting you get too far away from him.

“I said no!” Lucky for you he was just as buzzed as you were so he eased up when you started punching at him arm.

“Oh, fuck off you prude bitch.” He let you go after your punched at him, “Ain’t worth it anyway. Find your own way home.” Leaving as fast as you blinked you gulped. Well, this wasn’t good. You weren’t really sure where you were and well you were a little tipsy.

Before you could have a mental fucking breakdown about it all you set off on foot. You felt like you were walking on the old country road for what felt like forever before a pair of headlights landed on you as the vehicle crested the hill in front of you. Your heart rate picked up as you recognized that the vehicle was slowing down to a crawl and a stop right in front of you. A boy you vaguely recognized popped out of the driver’s seat, “What are you doing out here sweetheart?” He must’ve been your age. You recognized him from something, it had to be school. Hawkins High was bigger than it seemed, and you hardly could keep up with your own friends let alone those in other circles.

You backed away slowly, scared like a deer stuck in headlight, “Hey, don’t go. It’s dark and raining. Storms coming right up. By the looks of it, it looks like you need a ride. And lucky for you I have a nice warm jacket and big cozy seat for you to sit in. What do you say?” He shrugged off his leather biker jacket before slowly, oh so damn slowly, walking up to you and placing it on your shoulders.

“Is that a yes? Cause look, there is no way in hell I’ve leaving you out here.” He spoke once more not really giving you an option anymore.

You hummed, “Yeah, okay.” Nodding your head, you looked away, almost ashamed for such a handsome boy to see you in such a state. And that was the moment you met the love of your life. You didn’t know it then, no. But what a moment. So simple and small that changed the trajectory of your seemingly crumbling life.

“You’re Y/N right? Y/N Willows, the pastor’s daughter?” He asked once you buckled in next to him. He was oh so patient with you.

A quick nod of your head as you looked down and away from him, “Yeah. That’s my father.” You didn’t mean for it to so bitter coming out of your mouth, but you couldn’t really help it. You weren’t your fathers biggest fan these days anyway.

“Ouch.” He tried lightening the mood sensing your discomfort in the whole situation.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.” You whispered out grimacing at your own timidness. You hadn’t a clue why this guy was helping you out and the guilt of wasting his own time was starting to set in.

He gave you a soft smile even though you couldn’t see it. He knew something was up when he saw a pretty girl walking alone in the rain late on the Fourth of July. His heart nearly shattered when he saw your torn dress, roughed up hair and bruises littering one of your arms. He recognized you immediately. You were a grade below him in high school, but he knew exactly who you were. He’d taken an eye to you but quickly shut it down when he realized who your dad was. He never stood a chance and didn’t want to deal with impressing somebody like that. He couldn’t. He’d never be good enough. So shamefully he never tried.

“Steve. Steve Harrington.”

It clicked for you. The it guy who dated Nancy, one of your older sisters best friends. You’d heard about him through the gossip you’d soaked up second hand.

You finally looked up to him knowing you’d have to get it over with one way or another, “Nice to meet you Steve. Thanks for the ride.”

He nodded giving you a gentle smile, “Anytime. Can’t have a beautiful girl wandering the streets alone. Especially when it’s raining. You’ll catch a cold.” He said so casually you weren’t sure if you had heard him right or not.

You blinked at him for a few moments before continuing. It was hard to make out all the features on his face in such darkness on the road, “Do you know where you’re going?” You asked him not sure where he was planning on taking you.

“Do you want to go home?” He asked you back all too curious as to what your answer would be.

You shook your head softly, “No, not really. My father will skin me alive if he sees me like this.” Letting out a defeated sigh you let his jacket swallow you whole as you leaned back into the seat fully.

“How about this then? Let’s head to Jenny’s, the all-night diner, order some pie or something and get you cleaned up?” He offered up acting like it was no big deal. Like you taking up his entire night was fine.

“Oh no, I couldn’t burden you like that Steve. Already saved my ass back there.” You smiled over to him.

“It’s no big deal really. It’ll be a nice distraction actually.” He hummed hoping you’d take him up on the offer. He needed it. A conversation with a friendly face. Even if he hasn’t spoken you directly before he knew how kind you were. He’d heard about you. He knew you were rebelling. Breaking out of the mold your dad had crafted so finely for you. It was a pleasure to watch but it seemed as though you’d gotten yourself into a bad situation tonight. It made his heart clench as the thought of somebody laying a hand on you let alone enough to leave marks.

“Really?” You asked hopefully. You really didn’t want to go home yet. It was far too early, and your family would still be up. You couldn’t take the questioning that was sure to commence from your appearance.

“It’d be my pleasure sweetheart.” He grinned before heading off to Jenny’s.

Once you got there he held the door open for you and got your chair. You removed the jacked, leaving it on the back of your chair completely forgetting about the nice marks the boy had left you.

If he was trying to impress you it was certainly working. He was being ever the gentleman It was when you finally turned you got a good look at him. He was handsome as hell. Way more handsome than you remembered or could recall. No wonder Nancy was so head over heels for him at one point.

“What’re you looking to distract yourself from Steve?” You asked going for it.

He stifled a laugh as he too studied your face. He couldn’t see any bruises forming there, thank God but it still didn’t stop the sad look as he noticed the bruises on your arms darkening.

“You didn’t come to play? Did you?” He laughed once more while leaning forward in his chair, “To answer your question though, life I suppose.”

“No, I suppose I don’t. Life?” You tilted your head in curiosity to his statement.

He bit his lip without noticing, “Yeah. I’m working a dead-end job. Have no idea what I want to with my life. My parents won’t stop hounding me about it. I just… I don’t know.” He sighed in frustration while stirring the coffee he had ordered.

You grabbed at his hand without much hesitation. You wanted to comfort him, that was you. Ever the empathetic one, “Well you only just graduated right? With my sister and her friends? She doesn’t know what she wants to do either! Don’t beat yourself up about okay. Parents can be tough, but they just want the best for you.” You tried to remind yourself as well. Your dad was still your father and he too wanted what he thought was best for you even though you vehemently disagreed with him.

He grinned as you rubbed the back of his hand with your thumb absentmindedly, “I know you’re right.” He nodded feeling his control being taken over by you, “What about you? What are you running from?” He asked brazenly feeling the confidence you just had.

A huff left your lips, “A dumb boy who wouldn’t say no.”

His eyes quickly scanned your body once more for more serious injuries before he spoke once more, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” It wasn’t a lie. You were fine. You’d be fine. You had to be.

He didn’t seem satisfied with your answer, “Doesn’t seem like it sweetheart.”

“You keep calling me that?” You weren’t sure what you were getting at. You weren’t terribly experienced in the relationship arena. You’d been on dates here and there and had a boyfriend for a few months, but you’d never done anything serious. Anything that led to more than regular surface level conversations.

“What? Sweetheart? I can stop…” His wide eyes relaxed a bit when he saw you shaking your head in slight panic.

“No.” You interrupted him. That’s definitely not what you were trying to get at. You liked it. Much more than you probably should have.

“Alright, sweetheart it is. If you’re okay with it?”

“I’m okay with it.” You nodded in confirmation suddenly feeling hot with his eyes boring holes right into your own. He was so damn handsome it wasn’t fair. And you were sure you surely weren’t looking your Sunday best. Especially not walking around in the rain.

He grinned, not being able to hide it. Not wanting to hide it really. It was something about you that just made him a little giddy. Happier than he’d been in a long while, “I like you Y/N. I like you a lot.” And suddenly you wished you were back in the dark of his car so the night sky could hide the radiance of the blush that now coated your cheeks.

The hours slowly ticked by as the two of you chatted about anything and everything. The waitress just kept coming over and filling up both your draining coffee cups from time to time. The two of you seemingly got lost in the free-flowing conversation going on so easily. It was rare that you felt so free with somebody so quickly.

Your eyes peaked up at the clock over the kitchen doorway and widened as you saw it approaching six am, “Steve, it’s almost morning.”

“There’s no way.” He laughed before turning around and seeing the sun beginning it’s slow ascent for the day, “Well damn, I guess there is a way.”

“I still don’t want to go home.” You groaned while leaning back in your seat, “You’re far too interesting of a person Steve Harrington.”

“Well, I’ll tell you what. I’ll pick you up tonight and take you on a proper date. We can continue talking about all of our hopes and dreams.” His eyes lit up waiting on your response. He was hopeful. Far more hopeful than he’d been in a long time. Suddenly, his life didn’t feel so dim. It felt like there was a new purpose to it. You’d been placed along that country dirt road last night to pull him out of the fog he’d been in for a little too long. He needed you just as much as you needed him that night.

You nodded quickly, following him out of the diner after wrapping yourself right back into his warm jacket and followed him right back into his car, “That sounds like a wonderful plan Mr. Harrington.”

“Wear your second finest Sunday dress Miss Willows.” He tried to make light of the situation. His car rolled to a stop far too quickly in front of your house.

“Thanks again Steve.” You gave his hand a quick squeeze before getting out.

“I’ll see you tonight pretty girl.” He shot you a wink waiting for you to get back into your house. He didn’t dare leave until he knew you were safe and secure. Just one of the many, many things that made you fall in love with your favorite guy.

“So yeah.” You hummed before giving your boyfriend a quick kiss, “That’s how we met.

There was a twinkle in Nancy’s eyes as she spoke up, “That’s romantic as hell. Did not know you had it in you Steve.” She teased him earning a few laughs from the collective group.

“You want to press charges Willows? I know who that boy is, shouldn’t be causing trouble in this town.” Hopper grumbled clearly most annoyed with that in the story.

You shook your head, “No, it’s alright. More trouble than it’s worth.”

He sunk back into his seat, “If you say so.”

“Anyway,” El spoke up once more, “That’s adorable. Really, it’s like you found your person that night.”

You beamed over to your younger friend, “You can say that again.” You didn’t wait any longer to lean back and kiss your boyfriend once more. Even though you met under the worst of circumstances you wouldn’t dream of changing a thing. He was by far and away the best thing that’d ever happened to you.

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